SINGAPORE
Michael Anderson, key
account manager, business
travel at AccorHotels
“The most attractive thing
for Singapore at the moment
is the ease of access for
Australians to come across.
There are a large amount of
flights coming out of Sydney
in particular. It’s not a long
flight as well, and Singapore
is a really good introduction
to Southeast Asia.”
Gillian Seller, director global accounts Australia &
New Zealand at Fairmont Raffles Hotels International
“It’s a cosmopolitan city with a lovely blend of
cultures and lots of nationalities, as well as fabulous
food, which I think is always very appealing to
Australians. It’s a very easy city to be a visitor to.”
A city for all seasons
Singapore remains the number one city for meetings in the Asia Pacific, and with new infrastructure, venues
and air access that isn’t set to change anytime soon, writes Sheridan Randall.
Singapore remains a perennial favourite
with Australian event organisers, with its
reputation as the gateway city to Asia wellearned, named the top convention city in
Asia Pacific by the International Congress
and Convention Association's (ICCA). The
accolade it has held for well over a decade is
a “reflection of Singapore’s continued interest
and proof that we are a reliable destination
for business events”, says Sharon Lam, area
director Oceania at Singapore Tourism Board.
Speaking at this year’s MasterMICE event
in Sydney, Lam said flight accessibility
from Australia is range of hotels and
unconventional meeting spaces, and
variety of culinary, cultural experiences
underscored by the ease and safety of
getting around were the underlying reasons
behind Singapore’s longevity as a business
event destination in what is an increasingly
competitive environment.
The event, which was held in Sydney
and Melbourne, saw a number of hotels,
airlines and DMCs come together to update
Australian buyers about what’s new in
Singapore. New to the roadshow was budget
28 Convention & Incentive Marketing, Issue 8, 2016 www.cimmagazine.com
carrier Scoot.
“Scoot adds another dimension to the
variety of already existing flight connections,
especially with their charters,” said Lam.
“There is also new product for event
organisers like the resort-style Sofitel So to
the unconventional canvas Marina Bay Cruise
Centre Singapore, to existing properties like
Marina Bay Sands’ new restaurant, Spago
by Wolfgang Puck. That’s a reflection of
Singapore’s ever-changing landscape which
will have something to offer any group size
and client, repeat or new.”