SICEC spearheads 'Suntec zone' push

By Ben Moore SINGAPORE The Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre (SICEC) is leading an initiative to market the Suntec City area as an integrated conference and exhibition zone. The alliance between SICEC, seven neighbouring hotels and the Singapore Tourism Board will unveil plans to promote the area as "a city within a city" by mid-December. "By using the strength of the Suntec brand, we will let the industry know the event infrastructure in Singapore is unsurpassed," said SICEC deputy general manager sales and marketing Mr James Papineau. "This is the place for mega-events. It is an efficient working environment and an honest and transparent place in which to do business." Advertising and promotional material will focus on the area's facilities, including 5,000 hotel rooms, 1,000 shops and 300 restaurants. SICEC, STB and the member hotels will share the funding for the project, which is budgeting S$700,000 (US$399,000) for its first year.