JEDDAH, 13 June 2008 — Singapore is expecting a high volume of visitors from Saudi Arabia this summer, with the island nation offering a range of new attractions.
“The Kingdom is one of the biggest markets for Singapore in the Middle East, and we have all facilities for Saudi families, including villas, halal food and Arabic interpreters and tour guides,” Jason Ong, Singapore Tourism Board’s area director for the Middle East and Africa, told Arab News yesterday.
“We have 310 hotels of all categories that provide 35,000 rooms for tourists,” he said.
Last year, 10,544 Saudi vacationers visited Singapore, representing 11 percent year-on-year growth. They were among 99,000 visitors from the Gulf and the rest of the Middle East. Worldwide tourists visiting Singapore numbered 10.3 million last year compared to 9.7 million in the previous year. The island state’s tourism revenue exceeded $10 billion last year, he said.
“Singapore provides a very welcoming destination for Saudi travelers looking for a summer break. We offer an exciting mix of unique shopping opportunities, lively festivals, and diverse dining options — all in a safe, family-friendly atmosphere,” Ong added.
“Many Saudi nationals are attracted to Singapore because of the wide variety of family-friendly attractions offered as well as the widespread availability of Muslim-friendly facilities and cuisine. Approximately 15 percent of Singapore’s population is Muslim,” Ong said.
Asked about the visa procedure, Ong said: “It takes five working days to process a tourist visa.” Aside from the Singapore Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah, visa applications can also be submitted to the designated visa agents across the Kingdom. They include Fifa for General Service in Dammam, and Al Rash Travel, Al-Tayyar Travel Group, Dnata Travel, Saudi Tourist & Travel Bureau Ltd., Singapore Airlines and Unique Choice.
Singapore Airlines, the island’s national carrier, operates three flights a week from Jeddah and 10 to 14 a week from Dubai where there is a strong demand, Ong said.
In addition to favorites such as Sentosa Island, Underwater World, and the Singapore Zoo, the island nation has recently introduced the Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest observation wheel and a major international attraction.
Saudi Arabia is Singapore’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, with bilateral trade reaching $10.6 billion in 2007. It is also Singapore’s largest foreign investor from the Middle East.
