Singapore meets convention needs

Business Asia, August 17, 1998

Singapore is ranked the world's sixth most popular meeting destination -- and number one in Asia -- in the latest survey released by the Union des Association Internationales (UAI).

Singapore climbed from seventh spot in 1996 to sixth place last year, ranking behind Paris, London, Brussels, Vienna and Geneva, and has achieved the highest position by an Asian country for the 15th consecutive year.

The UAI is considered the leading research source for the conventions industry and bases survey results on strict criteria, including the number and size of events.

Last year, 138 conventions and conferences were held in Singapore, of which 68 were international meetings.

Events included the 19th International League Against Rheumatism Congress, the 5th International Congress of Plant Molecular Biology, and the World Congress on Thinking.

The area director Oceania for the Singapore Tourism Board, Mr Chui Seng Wah, said a number of attributes made the city a world-class convention destination.

"We possess superb meetings infrastructure as well as an industry that has a reputation for service excellence and innovation," Mr Chui said.

"Furthermore, we offer the attractions of world-class hotels, fine dining, a host of very vibrant entertainment activities and quality shopping experiences."

He said the result was an encouragement for the industry to continue promoting Singapore as a top international meetings venue.

"That is why we launched GlobalMeet 2000 last year. This is a three-year international marketing and promotions program designed to reinforce Singapore's position as a premier meetings centre," Mr Chui said.

Under GlobalMeet 2000, a range of incentives are offered to organisers who book an event in Singapore from now until the year 2000.

Incentives include discounts through hotels, travel agents, tour packages and dining outlets.