Business and Leisure
Top Asian travel destination
Singapore recorded growth of almost 8 percent in visitor arrivals in November 2003 compared to November of the previous year, with a total of 635,213 visitors. Singapore remains one of the world’s top tourism destinations, offering colorful cultural attractions, a safe and clean environment, superior infrastructure, superb facilities for business travelers, and a wide choice of hotels and resorts.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) promotes Singapore as a business and leisure destination. “We develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth for Singapore,” explains STB Chairman Wee Ee-chao. “We put the customer first, and we find passion and put fun in everything we do.”
Wee points out that the STB has eight strategic tourism units covering the key purposes of visits by tourists. He says, “Our ultimate goal is to create exciting and innovative experiences for our visitors, etching forever in their minds an image of Singapore as a vibrant and compelling destination.”
Singapore’s varied culinary offerings range from Lau Pa Sat and the traditional satay stands on nearby Boon Tat Street to elegant restaurants with spectacular views of the Singapore River on Boat Quay and Clarke Quay.
Attractions for nature-lovers include Singapore Zoological Gardens, Jurong BirdPark, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Sentosa island with its themed attractions, from a butterfly garden to a volcano park, appeals to visitors of all ages, while Pulau Ubin island offers a look at Singapore’s past. Visitors can also cruise the Singapore River and Singapore Harbor for a unique perspective on this island nation.
Singapore is a shopper’s paradise, from the designer boutiques on trendy Orchard Road to Singapore’s renowned malls filled with bargain electronic equipment as well as shops in the island’s colorful ethnic neighborhoods of Chinatown and Little India.
Park Royal Hotels & Resorts
“Our professional staff pays attention to every detail.”
Scott Butcher, Senior Vice President Hotel Operations
Business travellers and leisure vacationers visiting Singapore deserve a hotel experience that makes their stay memorable. At the Grand Plaza Park Royal Hotel Singapore, nothing short of the best is provided to make a trip to Singapore as enjoyable as possible. The Grand Plaza, a 4-star hotel with 5-star service, has just completed a full refurbishment. Its 338 rooms, including suites and two floors reserved for corporate guests, are beautifully decorated and fully equipped with modern amenities. “From the well-stocked minibar to internet access,” notes Scott Butcher, Senior Vice President of hotel operations, “we are the hotel of choice for discriminating clients, and our location in the Central Business District amidst Singapore’s historical and cultural landmarks is simply charming.”
The effort to exceed expectations extends to the Grand Plaza’s facilities and services for corporate travelers, resulting in a large number of repeat guests. Their guest tracking system ensures that the specific requirements of returning clients are already anticipated. The Club Lounge features an extremely comfortable boardroom for up to 10 people. The Business Center is open daily, and the Grand Plaza has plenty of space for corporate functions and banquets, with rooms accommodating from 10 to 330 people.
The hotel is also the perfect place to relax and have fun. “We offer a well-equipped gym,” says Butcher, “and at our spa, which includes a premium Chinese masseuse, you’ll be pampered from head to toe.” Butcher encourages more Americans to experience the Grand Plaza’s genuine approach to premium customer services. “We really will make your stay unforgettable.”
Treetops Executive Residences
“We want to provide an easier adjustment.”
Tay Hock Soon, General Manager
When planning for an extended business trip or assignment in Singapore, Treetops Executive Residences should be at the top of the list for your home away from home. Opened in 2000 as one of the newest in the hotel and serviced apartments industry, Treetops has quickly gone on to set the benchmark for quality, service and security among its competitors.
Treetops offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom spacious, fully-equipped executive apartments, with amenities such as BBQ pits, a spice garden, a playground for children and a luxurious pool. Yet, what sets Treetops apart is its flexibility to accommodate the needs of its residents. “Our number one concern is the welfare of our guests,” says General Manager Tay Hock Soon. “Services are personalized and we respond immediately to any concerns.” This means a strong focus on guests’ medical cares and needs, including birthing care for expectant mothers.
As a leader in the industry, occupancy rates are high, with American clients making up 30 percent of residents. “The New York market is certainly a top priority for us,” notes Soon, “with most of our Americans being senior executives. If you’re planning to work here in Singapore, you will want to call Treetops home.”
