i'mpact Singapore Tourism Board Annual Report 2010/2011

Tourism Sector Performance
Healthcare
Focusing on quality care
Singapore’s medical tourism scene has developed positively,
with the country leading in terms of per patient revenue despite
increasing competition from the region. In 2010, medical
expenditure arising from travellers stood at S$856 million, a
10.1 per cent year-on-year increase over 2009. Singapore
may not be the most inexpensive option for healthcare, but
international patients recognise the high quality of care offered
here in modern facilities using state-of-the-art technology and
equipment, making Singapore their top choice as a healthcare
destination.
Singapore’s healthcare landscape maintained its reputation
with 13 hospitals and medical centres obtaining the established
Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation in 2010.
Eleven hospitals have also been certified by the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO), an affirmation of the high
standard of healthcare services and quality management of
medical offerings available.
Precincts
Enlivening Singapore’s heritage
Singapore’s tourism precincts present visitors with a multitude
of memorable experiences, be it shopping and relaxing along
Orchard Road or exploring and re-living history and heritage in
Chinatown, Kampong Glam or Little India.
Over the years, these precincts have, under the capable
management of key place managers such as the Orchard Road
Business Association (ORBA) and the Chinatown Business
Association (CBA), developed into attractive zones that are
bustling with activity all year round. Working closely with these
place managers, STB is helping to ensure that the precincts are
positively cultivated and aligned with Singapore’s appeal as a
rich multi-cultural destination.
Orchard Road, Singapore’s main shopping and lifestyle
belt, has consistently been the top free access attraction
for visitors. 2010 saw the opening of Knightsbridge, a novel
retail concept inspired by London’s most luxurious address.
New brands such as the trendy Swedish clothing giant H&M
has opened and hip all-American label Abercrombie & Fitch
will also be opening on Orchard Road in 2011, setting hearts
aflutter among shopaholics.
These developments complemented signature crowd-pleasers
that were led by ORBA and supported by STB, such as
Fashion Season @ Orchard and Rev Up @ Orchard for retail
enthusiasts and Christmas in the Tropics for holidaymakers
during the year-end peak travel season. The Christmas Light
Up at Orchard Road has been such a hit that it was voted as
one of the “World’s Top 10 Best Holiday Lights” by Frommer’s
Travel Guide in 2010.
Over at Chinatown, the CBA recognised the need to engage
youths to inspire renewed interest in the precinct. This resulted
in a proactive public relations and social media campaign,
Singapore’s healthcare combines quality care with stellar service.
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