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Singapore as a regional convention hub : deepening of a tourism product
Author
Lum, Kit Kuan
Supervisor
Wong, Shuang Yann
Abstract
The sluggish growth in Singapore's leisure tourism sector in recent years (due to intensifying competition from neighbouring countries), has led to a slowdown in the overall tourism growth. The convention industry, which is an integral part of business tourism has always been seen as a means of diversifying Singapore's tourism products. Its potential to generate the desired multiplier effects has made the sector worthy to be capitalised on, by developing Singapore into a convention hub in the Asia-Pacific region. The exercise looks into Singapore's competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific and how the convention sector can be deepened through the collective efforts by the private sector (given the complementary relationship among the suppliers) and the support of the government. The study reveals that Singapore has the qualities to be the regional convention capital. Its edge in location, political stability, superior infrastructure; provision of value-added products, lT and efficiency of management. should he able to address problems of high costs and labour shortages. As the local convention industry is becoming more specialized, the private sector, led by the SICEC and large convention hotels, is found to be more proactive in promoting Singapore as a convention capital and initiating market segmentation. Weak convention hotels and conference organizers can play a more active role in facilitating better allocation of resources and providing integrated services. While continuing to play a supportive role, the government should also encourage the establishment of more local chapters of international associations, be responsive to the private sector's needs, and make use of local and regional opportunities to develop Singapore into an international economic and business hub.
Date Issued
1997
Call Number
G155.S5 Lum
Date Submitted
1997