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SINGAPORE: Singapore achieved a new record for its tourism sector when it received its 10 millionth visitor on Saturday.
The lucky visitor was 36-year-old Sanjeev Bhandari who arrived with his wife and two children to celebrate Christmas in the city.
They were warmly received at Changi Airport's Terminal 2 Arrival Hall by Singapore Tourism Board's (STB) Deputy Chief Executive (International), Quek Swee Kuan, and an entourage of performers showcasing Singapore's unique blend of the modern world and rich cultures.
They were also welcomed with prizes worth over S$50,000 – Business Class air tickets from Singapore Airlines, complimentary stays at The Shangri-La Singapore, The Amara Sanctuary Resort, and a luxury cruise onboard the SuperStar Gemini, as well as shopping vouchers and personalised guided tours.
Mr Bhandari said: "Till now I have heard a lot about Singapore from all of my friends and colleagues (but) I never got a chance to come. But this time even my kids were saying let's go outside the country - when I thought of anything the first thing that came to my mind was Singapore."
At the end of his stay, Mr Bhandari and his family will leave Singapore in style through the exclusive JetQuay Terminal.
STB said this year's achievement of 10 million visitors surpasses last year's record of 9.7 million.
The upward trend started since 2004 when Singapore crossed the eight million mark.
STB added that Singapore is on track to achieve its 2007 tourism receipts target of S$13.6 billion.
This means that the Republic should be able to achieve its Tourism 2015 targets.
These include increasing tourism receipts to S$30 billion, welcoming 17 million tourist arrivals and creating jobs for 250,000 people.
This year, Singapore was ranked as Asia's top country and city for meetings. And according to the Union of International Associations, it is also among the world's top three cities for meeting.
Moreover, Singapore is among the top five countries in the world for nightlife, fine dining and shopping.
It has also been chosen as the top city in Asia that people would want to live in, according to this year's Country Brand Index by FutureBrand. - CNA/ch/so
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