‘Singapore sees surge in arrival of TN visitors’

Madurai: With the number of visitors from tier two cities in India visiting Singapore registering robust growth last year, Singapore tourism officials are taking all efforts to tap the growing potential.

While the country witnessed 14 lakh visitors from India last year, at least 2.5 lakh of them are from tier two cities. India retained the third largest source market for Singapore in terms of visitor arrivals next to China and Indonesia.Singapore tourism officials conducted a roadshow in Madurai on Wednesday to promote tourism in the southern part of Tamil Nadu. With the theme ‘Growing Connections Achieving Together’ a meeting was conducted with the stakeholders at a private hotel to promote newer attractions.

Regional director, India, Middle East and South Asia for Singapore tourism, G B Srithar said that there is a growing number of visitors from southern India and Tamil Nadu in particular due to proximity and connectivity. Out of 15 Indian cities, which got direct air connectivity to Singapore, nine are in south India and four are in Tamil Nadu.Area director, India and South Asia, Adrian Kong said that various new attractions have come in the last couple of years and many more are in the pipeline. Those, who have visited earlier, will have fascinating attractions awaiting. Passion tours, Changi Airport and Rainforest Lumia are few among them.

He said that Jewel Changi Airport, a nature-themed entertainment complex, is free to access for travelers as well as locals. “Most of the flights from India are morning flights, while the check-in at most of the hotels is by noon they can spend time till then,” he said.

The officials said that Visa Free Transit facility can offer 96 hours stay in Singapore without a visa from the country, for the travelers with onward and return journey tickets. NTN