Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/422436
24 | www.travelweekly-asia.com ideas to sell singapore DESTINATION: SINGAPORE Marina Bay Sands received 40.3 M visitors in 2013. Its top five foreign source markets for the hotel in 2013 were Japan, China, Indonesia, Korea and Australia. The Shoppes continues to expand in its offerings of luxury premium brands. Mike Lee, VP of Sales, Marina Bay Sands, said, "Many of these brands, such as Bulgari, Cartier, Dior, Miu Miu, Saint Laurent and Versace, will have their largest stores in Singapore at The Shoppes upon completion. The mall will also feature expanded options for luxury children's wear including the newly opened first Baby Dior in South-east Asia." On the entertainment front, it launched Sands Live - a series that brings world-class entertainment to guests in the most unique settings. The Rolling Stones were the first headlining act as part of Sands Live in March this year. Other past performances held on property included PSY, Elton John and Korean super star Rain. Come November, the well-loved Broadway musical Mamma Mia will also show at the MasterCard Theatres. The Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS), highlight of the sporting and entertainment calendar, will return in 2015. This year, as usual, the event was packed with entertainment and boasted of more than 70 events, activities and promotions. The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix is unique as the only night street race in the global Formula One Circuit. In 2014, in-circuit concert headliners included Mayday, Robbie Williams and Jennifer Lopez as well as Pet Shop Boys, John Legend and Ziggy Marley. Beyond the circuit, stakeholders in various precincts such as Civic District, Chinatown, Bras Basah-Bugis and Marina Bay, also team up to offer high-octane experiences for both locals and visitors. The annual Singapore Art Week conceived by the Singapore Tourism Board takes place in January 2015. In its fifth year, Art Stage Singapore leads the Singapore Art Week as its pillar event and will take place from 22 to 25 January 2015. In 2014, over 70 visual art activities were independently organised around Art Stage Singapore, proving the fair's mettle in the region's visual arts sector. Plans for visual arts events and activities for Singapore Art Week 2015 are currently underway. To date, over 80% of exhibitors that have signed up to show at Art Stage Singapore 2015 will be returning galleries. A majority of these are based in Asia and will be showcasing a top line-up of artists, underscoring the fair's Asian identity. Past participating artists include Chinese artist Zhang Huan, British sculptor Antony Gromley, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusuma, Indonesian artists Jumaldi Alfi, and Singapore-based artists Han Sai Por. Since opening in 2010, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has welcomed over 45 million visitors. Last year, the attractions (Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark) welcomed 6.7 M visitors. In the first half of 2014, RWS' non-gaming businesses continued to do well, generating a revenue of S$310 M. In the second quarter, the attractions registered a daily average visitation of about 17,000 while occupancy rates at RWS' hotels were 94% with an average room rate of S$390. RWS attractions remain the benchmark for the region and a magnet for visitors from all around the world. Universal Studios Singapore recently edged out other regional heavyweights to clinch TripAdvisor's Best Theme Park in Asia award. The opening of the Trickeye Museum at the RWS Waterfront in June has proven to be a major crowd-puller. In October, Universal Studios will stage the fourth instalment of Halloween Horror Nights. It will also have a new attraction, Puss In Boots' Giant Journey slated for completion by end 2014. The world's first roller coaster, based on the Puss In Boots popular franchise, will thrill guests with an original storyline. VISITORS AND SHOPPERS FLOCK TO MARINA BAY SANDS GRAND PRIX ROLLS IN AGAIN RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA CONTINUES TO THRILL SINGAPORE ART WEEK DRAWS ENTHUSIASTS