JEDDAH, 8 June 2004 — Singapore expects nearly 10,000 Saudi visitors this year, according to Melvern Ong, Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) area director, Middle East and Africa based in Dubai.
“The number is based on the trend as seen in the January-May figures when 2,213 travelers from the Kingdom visited Singapore which is an 81 percent increase over the same period last year,” Melvern said during a travel agents’ seminar organized by Singapore Airlines (SIA) and STB here.
“Singapore and the Far East are becoming popular with Saudis and expatriates in the Kingdom,” he added. He said that STB had opened an office in Dubai last year and is thinking of opening one in Jeddah.
Vice Consul Abdul Halim Mohamed Amin said the consulate had received a “high number of visa applications as Singapore is becoming a destination, not only for leisure, but also a hub for visiting such countries as Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Singapore Airlines fulfils one of the visa requirements by issuing a letter of introduction when buying a ticket.”
SIA’s general manager for the Middle East Sher M. Khan said, “We are re-introducing the popular Magic Triangle route after a lapse of some years and for the first time a package for New Zealand.”
There is also an Asean Air Pass for economy travel on international and domestic sectors within ASEAN countries; it is valid for a minimum of three days and a maximum of two months.
“The Swapnam package, popular with Indian, Sri Lankan and Bangladesh expatriates, is back,” said Hilary Fernandes, the airline’s district sales manager, Western Province. It costs SR3,000+ economy class for Jeddah-Singapore and on to any of eight destinations in India, to Colombo or Dhaka in Bangladesh. The package, valid till March 31, 2005, includes three nights hotel accommodation in Singapore, free SIA hop-on tourist bus service, free admission to attractions such as Sentosa Island and Night Safari, and 50 percent discount on food in the hotel’s coffee house.
