FORWARD PROGRESS

The last three months have been eventful for Singapore’s business events industry, even by
its own lofty standards. Both Suntec Singapore and Singapore Expo have had changes of
leadership and are still moving along well.

Progress on the integrated resorts – Resorts World at Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands – is going well and St. Regis has opened its doors for business with an excellent market response.
On top of this, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport is due to open in the second quarter of this year and the Grand Hyatt, in the Orchard Road district, is due to complete renovations by the end of 2008.

NEWLY OPENED
The opening of the St. Regis on December 22 represents Singapore’s first new luxury
property in 11 years and also the first St. Regis in Southeast Asia. Built within walking
distance of Orchard Road, the 299-room property can seat 650 persons for a banquet
or 1,080 theatre style.

Highlights include the two naturally lit ballrooms, three customised Bentley Continental Flying Spurs and personal butler service on offer to all guests.
The Pan Pacific Singapore has just completed renovations across its 778 rooms and suites. The renovations cost US$9.8 million over nine months last year and the results have been worth it with the rooms having been completely refitted.
The public areas, last renovated in 2005, were untouched.

The renovations complement the hotel’s executive centre, which takes up an entire floor and offers a round-the-clock business concierge among its services.

BUSINESS EVENTS
In terms of exhibitions, the Singapore Tourism Board’s Business Events (BE) in Singapore campaign continues to reap benefits for the country with upcoming events including the Japan International Apparel Machinery Trade Show (JIAM 2008 Singapore), which will be the first time the show has been held outside of Japan; ITB Asia 2008, the Berlin-based travel trade show
that is looking to put down its roots in an already-crowded market place; and looking to next year, the FDI World Dental Congress 2009, which is expected to attract 13,000 delegates over a four-day period.