Mr S Iswaran at ITB Asia Singapore Ignites

OPENING ADDRESS BY MR S ISWARAN, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AT ITB ASIA SINGAPORE IGNITES ON 22 OCT 2008, 7PM AT MARINA BAY FLOATING PLATFORM 

Distinguished guests

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening.

It is my pleasure to join you this evening at the Welcome Reception of ITB Asia.I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the international delegates who are visiting Singapore, particularly those who are here for the first time.

Introduction

The theme “Singapore Ignites!” is a fitting one, as this year marks the launch of the inaugural ITB Asia Convention – the Asian edition of ITB Berlin which has been held annually in Germany for the past 40 years.

Transforming the Tourism Landscape

Singapore is honoured to be selected as the venue for the first 3 editions of ITB Asia.The event comes at an exciting time, as Singapore is in the midst of transforming its tourism landscape as part of our broader vision of becoming a global city of distinction

Just three weeks ago, the Marina Bay Floating Platform, where we are standing now, formed part of the circuit of the 2008 Formula 1™ Singtel Singapore Grand Prix race. At this grandstand alone, a 20,000 strong crowd gathered to witness history being made as our city played host to the first-ever Formula 1 night race.

Staging the Formula 1 race put Singapore in the global spotlight, with more than 100 million television viewers worldwide estimated to have watched the race live on television.Judging from the positive international media coverage and good feedback from race participants, I think we succeeded for the most part in showcasing Singapore as a vibrant, dynamic and cosmopolitan city with a wide variety of leisure and entertainment offerings for visitors.

Beyond Formula 1, the Singapore Tourism Board has also been hard at work in catalysing other tourism projects.Looking eastwards, you will see the Singapore Flyer.Standing at 165m tall, it is currently the world’s tallest observation wheel and received its first visitors in March this year.

In the near future, the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort (just across the Bay) will also be opening its doors.The project’s 3 hotel towers will support a SkyGarden that will stretch across the structures’ rooftops, with a unique helix-themed pedestrian bridge linking the resort to the MarinaBay shopping district.

Behind the resort, Singapore is also developing its new International Cruise Terminal which is estimated to be ready by the end of 2010.The new developments in this area, such as the Marina Bay Financial Centre, will be complemented by the Gardens by the Bay project which will serve to provide a green balance to the urban landscape.

The transformation we are seeing in Singapore’s MarinaBay district is representative of the wider tourism transformation that is occurring across Singapore. There is another Integrated Resort, Resorts World @ Sentosa, which is scheduled to open in the near future, and our main shopping district Orchard Road is currently undergoing upgrading works.

We are shedding old stereotypes as we enter a period of exciting tourism developments, and we look forward to welcoming all of you for next year’s ITB Asia and again in 2010, to experience Singapore’s dynamic tourism transformation with us.

Conclusion

In the meantime, I would like to encourage all international delegates to find some time to experience Singapore’s colourful ethnic districts, savour our exciting mix of culinary, shopping, entertainment and leisure offerings, and explore our award-winning tourist attractions such as the Night Safari and Sentosa, Singapore’s island resort.

I wish you an enjoyable evening and a rewarding time at ITB Asia. Thank you.