Singapore braces for IMF US$85m annual meeting

The prestigious event will attract government officials and global business leaders for the weeklong series of events. The main conference sessions will be held at Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The overall programme will consist of around 300 meetings and events, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the local CEI industry are keen to welcome the event not only to showcase the city's world-class CEI facilities, but also to sharpen the island-state's profile as a global business centre. Singapore Tourism Board is working closely with tourism-industry partners such as Pacific World, which will manage the complimentary spouse programme, and Tradewinds Tours & Travel, which will operate the paid sightseeing tours and excursions for delegates and others. STB is also involved in staging and coordinating the five official social functions. Programme director, Singapore Experience, Lee Kai Yin said: "The aim is to provide S2006 delegates and their accompanying spouses with unique experiences that Singapore has to offer in the realms of culture, arts, entertainment and culinary delights." Aloysius Arlando, assistant chief executive (Business Travel & MICE Group) of the STB, said the event is projected to generate tourism receipts of at least US$31 million, with an estimated 72 per cent of this spending retained in Singapore. Michael Schmitt, acting director of marketing for Pan Pacific Singapore, one of the designated deluxe properties for the event, said: "Pan Pacific Singapore has formed a committee comprising of almost 20 associates to oversee IMF. "Meetings began early last year and the purpose is to ensure that all aspects of the hotel are primed and ready to welcome the delegates for IMF."