Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

INTRODUCTION

1     The Zoo is one of Singapore’s oldest attractions – it was opened in 1973.  And, a visit to the zoo remains a quintessential part of growing up in Singapore.  Indeed, many of us would have fond childhood memories of visiting the zoo with our friends and family. 

2      Over the years, Singaporeans as well as tourists have returned to the zoo many times over.  One of the key reasons for the zoo’s success in drawing a growing stream of new and repeat visitors has been its constant efforts to renew itself by adding not just new, but also exciting and exotic exhibits that enthrall visitors.  This African Cheetah Enclosure, which I have the pleasure of opening today, is the latest in a succession of such upgraded exhibits.  It is, therefore, a fitting tribute that the Singapore Zoo has been named by the Forbes Traveler as one of the best in the world.  I congratulate Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) and all your staff on your outstanding achievement, which is all the more remarkable given our compact and highly urbanised environment. 

5-YEAR MASTERPLAN FOR WRS

3      I am also glad that we can expect even more exciting attractions from Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) very soon.  WRS has drawn up an $70 million dollar masterplan in which, over the next five years, new facilities will be added to the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari to enhance the overall experience for tourists, visitors and ‘friends’ of the Zoo.

TOURISM 2015

4      Such new products and attractions will help take Singapore closer to the targets set out in the Tourism 2015 plan and to grow tourism into a key pillar of our economy.  Over the past three years, we have witnessed  a series of record-breaking numbers for visitor arrivals and tourism receipts.  I am happy to note that next month we will once again reach new heights when Singapore will, for the first time, welcome its ten millionth visitor in a year.

5      To sustain this growth, we are developing bold new offerings, especially for the leisure segment, which constitutes more than half of all visitor arrivals.  By 2010, tourists can definitely expect much more when they visit, whether it’s enjoying their shopping experience at the rejuvenated Orchard Road after its $40 million makeover; getting a bird’s eye view from the Singapore Flyer of Singapore and the surrounding islands; having fun at Universal Studios and the Integrated Resorts; or taking a leisurely stroll through the Gardens by the Bay.  Marina Bay itself will be transformed into a kaleidoscope of 24/7 activities, set against the Singapore skyline and waterfront.  Singapore will also be host to major sporting events like the F1 and the Volvo Ocean Race – all of which will add to the vibrancy of our city and make Singapore a compelling destination for different segments of tourists.

VISION OF MANDAI – A NEW NATURE DESTINATION

6      To augment and diversify the Singapore visit experience, STB plans to introduce more products that will allow tourists to enjoy the wonders of nature.  Beyond shopping, fine dining and spa treatments, an increasing number of tourists are keen to commune with nature, visit natural habitats and see wildlife – perhaps as a counterpoint to the modern urban lifestyle.  STB, therefore, plans to develop a cluster of attractions at Mandai to make it one of Asia’s top nature destinations, nestled in a tropical rainforest and freshwater setting.  Mandai is the ideal choice for such a nature cluster, as it is already anchored by internationally recognised attractions like the Zoo and Night Safari.

7     We will move forward on this initiative in two steps.  First, STB and WRS are conducting a feasibility study to develop a third animal attraction in Mandai that will complement the Zoo and Night Safari.  WRS is conceptualising a themed attraction which will recreate exotic river environments and allow visitors to explore and learn about endangered freshwater flora and fauna in natural habitats.  If deemed feasible, WRS intends for this new attraction to cover a potential land area of about 10 hectares, or roughly the size of 14 football fields.

8      Second, STB is working with other government agencies like URA and NParks to identify a site of over 30 hectares in Mandai that can be developed for new nature-themed experiences within a tropical setting.  This site can be a potential ‘fourth gate’ of attractions in Mandai that will appeal to nature lovers and visitors who seek something different to Singapore’s city attractions.  A strong educational and interactive component with family entertainment value will enhance the appeal to families. The site could also incorporate exciting mixed-use concepts comprising high quality accommodation, attractions and lifestyle offerings.  This could range from luxurious retreats nestled in the tropical jungle, to spa treatments in a natural setting.  

9      With the addition of a nature-themed attraction and boutique hotel accommodation with retail and F&B, visitors could in future spend a whole day or more just in Mandai.  With the clustering of four gates in Mandai, visitorship to Mandai could double from the current 2.5 million (to the Zoo and Night Safari) to 5 million visitors by 2015 for the entire Mandai tourism precinct.  Mandai will become a unique nature destination with its own identity, distinct from other established zones like Marina Bay, Sentosa and Orchard Road.  STB will be inviting interested investors to propose suitable tourism products that embrace Mandai’s rich biodiversity and natural attributes in mid-2008. 

CONCLUSION

10     We have an exciting range of tourism products that are in the pipeline for the next few years.  I, therefore, have no doubt that Singapore, with its diverse tourism offerings, will continue to appeal to many tourists from different segments and of varied backgrounds.  With these developments, Singaporeans and visitors alike can look forward to a brand new “Uniquely Singapore” experience on the entire island.  Thank you.