Singapore nightlife industry fights back against slowdown in tourism
By Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 July 2008 0421 hrs

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SINGAPORE : Illusion show - the "Ultimate Magic" - is part of a S$1 million gig that was recently brought into Clarke Quay, one of Singapore's night entertainment venues by the river.

About 30, 000 tourists and locals visit the area on a good weekend evening, but some tenants said the recent drop in overall tourism numbers have affected their business by about 20 per cent.

Still, one operator, The Arena, is hopeful. It said its latest magic show venture - which runs twice a day, 6 days per week - is already booked by travel agents till March 2009.

The operator projects attendance to hit slightly over 50 per cent after its September premiere. Michael Cheah, Director of Sales at The Arena said the modest projections are based on the fact that September is an off-peak tourism season for the Japanese market.

"I think it (Ultimate Magic) gives travel agents like us more ideas to throw in our packages, whether it's incentives or leisure markets. I hope to see it go on, and not like Crazy Horse, which lasted only two years," said Jaclyn Yeoh, Managing Director of Siam Express.

In fact, when the curtains came down on Crazy Horse Paris in 2007, it had been in operation for just over a year. Travel agents said not only was the topless cabaret overpriced, another problem was audience restriction - you have to be over 21 to watch it.

Despite the misses, the Singapore Tourism Board said the country's nightlife entertainment scene has grown in "leaps and bounds" over the last two years. But it said it is locals, not tourists, who should sustain the industry.

"Whether it's musicals, plays, or nightclubs, it's important that (they draw) the locals and delight the visitors. And with the percentage of tourists increasing towards 2015, we hope to double our visitors, so you will see more tourists," said Lynette Pang, Director of Events & Entertainment at the Singapore Tourism Board.

That promise has got at least one industry veteran keen to tap into the tourism market. After opening St James Powerhouse and acquiring two clubs in Orchard Road, Dennis Foo, who has been in the business for some 30 years, is now in talks to expand his nightlife empire into Clarke Quay.

"We've done very well among the locals. The tourism numbers are going to grow, although there's a bit of a setback now. So far, more than three quarters of the turnout at St James are locals. Hence, having a tourist (segment)... will complement our overall offerings and customer base," said Foo, CEO of St James Powerhouse.

The Singapore Tourism Board expects visitor arrivals to hit 14 million in 2010. - CNA /ls