Iconic Singapore Flyer to lift ASEAN tourism to new heights

BANGKOK, 23 January 2008 – Singapore’s most anticipated new tourism icon, Singapore Flyer, is all set to lift ASEAN tourism to thrilling new heights when the S$240-million giant observation wheel takes flight on 1 March 2008.

Singapore achieved a new record for its tourism sector when it received its 10 millionth visitor in Dec 2007, and is poised for greater growth as a key ASEAN destination venue with exciting attractions like Singapore Flyer, as well as the first-ever Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix night race in September 2008 and the two upcoming Integrated Resorts to be completed in 2010.

Singapore Flyer, Asia’s largest observation wheel when it starts operations, will present a Uniquely Singapore experience with breathtaking top-of-the-world views at a height of 165 metres in the sky. Visitors will be treated to a panoramic 360-degree view of the burgeoning Marina Bay area and even parts of neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia, from the comfort of 28 air-conditioned capsules. Each scenic ride lasts for about 30 minutes.

While most will have to wait until March 1, over 28 corporations will be the first guests to celebrate the Chinese New Year festivities on the Singapore Flyer Inaugural Flights from 11 – 13 February. At an auspicious price of S$8,888 per private capsule (with a 26-person capacity), featuring two rotations of Singapore Flyer, guests will enjoy canapés and celebrate traditions like lou hei to usher in luck and prosperity on-board the majestic giant observation wheel, while admiring the dynamic Singapore cityscape.

Lovebirds, too, will get the special opportunity to be a part of Singapore’s very first moving romantic celebration in the sky with the Singapore Flyer Valentine’s Day Package on 14 February. With its captivating view, the giant observation wheel will offer loved ones an evening to remember at every turn of the wheel, as they celebrate their love with champagne, chocolates, flowers and reminisce all things magical atop Singapore Flyer. The package priced at S$399 per couple includes two Express Boarding flights, a glass of chilled champagne each and chocolates, as well as an exclusive Valentine’s Day gift bag.

The Singapore Flyer is already the talk of the region and pre-booking sales have seen steady growth since tickets were available early last year.

According to Ms Patsy Ong, Managing Director of Adval Brand Group Pte Ltd, the exclusive sales, marketing and ticket distribution agent for Singapore Flyer, “The opening of Singapore Flyer will herald a new age for tourism in Singapore, especially with the changing face of Marina Bay and Singapore’s efforts to further enhance itself as an exciting cosmopolitan city in the region. Its unique and exhilarating top-of-the-world experience makes Singapore Flyer a must-see and compelling visitor destination in Asia.

“Through high-profile events such as the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), we are confident of generating awareness to the rest of the world through travel agents and trade partners. We are very encouraged by the success of pre-booking sales that we have been receiving since last year’s ATF event,” Ms Ong added.

As a unique venue in the sky, Singapore Flyer presents boundless possibilities with its corporate packages for the BTMICE segment and the corporate sector. With product packages that can be tailored to specific needs with the provision of canapés, beverages and themed decorations, Singapore Flyer is the perfect venue to create lasting memories and celebrate life’s special occasions. Capsules can be booked for corporate and hospitality events, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations and even product launches, with the scenic Singapore landscape as a mesmerising backdrop.

While enjoying the ride on Singapore Flyer, the exciting mix of specialty and lifestyle concept shops at the three-storey Retail Terminal provides visitors with the convenience of a truly unique experience. At the heart of the Retail Terminal, visitors can enjoy a cool reprieve from the tropical heat by visiting the lush Asian rainforest and its cascading water displays.

With numerous ramps and accessible walkways, Singapore Flyer is disabled-friendly and promises to be a seamless and comfortable experience for everyone.

Singapore Flyer is anticipated to attract up to 2.5 million visitors in the first year, with corporate bookings and ticketing packages expected to contribute over 80 per cent of sales revenue. With such success, this world-class iconic attraction is certainly poised to propel Singapore and the ASEAN tourism industry into the global limelight.

Singapore Flyer will open to the public as of 1 March 2008, followed by a grand official opening on April 15. While pre-booking sales have been extremely encouraging even before Singapore Flyer starts operations, there will be 20% of daily tickets available, reserved for walk-in crowds.