It's wait-and-see for Singapore's soon-to-open integrated resort

“The packages have been sold, but the arrival dates will change depending on when the theme park and casino open,” said Travcoach managing director Chew Cheng Soon, who added that the groups are mainly from China.

GTMC Travel has also locked in bookings for four corporate groups of about 70 people each.

The groups - from India, Thailand and the Philippines - will make tracks for Singapore once the casino and theme park are open, and will stay for three nights.

No firm date has been given for the opening of the casino and theme park, but they are expected to welcome their first visitors within the next two months.

When asked about the poor take-up rate, an RWS spokesman said the resort has received hundreds of queries about rooms.

He said he expects more people to sign up once the resort begins to accept direct bookings on Monday.

These direct bookings, he said, are likely to come from Singaporeans.

“Travel trends are such that when a new hotel opens, locals are the ones who want to experience it first due to the hype,” he said.

Indeed, some Singaporeans are already casting an interested eye towards Sentosa.

Student Lia Jiann Chyuan, 20, intends to check into an RWS hotel for two nights from Jan 22, never mind if there are no rides to be had.

He plans to hold a party with a few of his friends.

“It doesn't matter to me that the attractions will not be opened then, as we can still check out the hotel, play games there and enjoy ourselves,” said Mr Lia.

“It's the first resort of its kind to open in Singapore. There is an unknown factor to it.”

Travel agents, meanwhile, are not perturbed by the dearth of bookings from overseas.

1|2

PrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email