SINGAPORE: analysis of the destination over the period 2015 – 2018 (January-June)

Singapore is in the TOP-20 of foreign countries visited by Russian tourists. According to the annual statistics published by Rosstat, Singapore has been visited:

2015 year - 20 000 Russian tourists 
2016 year - 29 000 Russian tourists 
2017 year - 26 000 Russian tourists 
2018 year (January-June) - 14 000 Russian tourists 

Tour operators working on this destination talk about year-round stable demand for Singapore, and also note an increase in the number of requests for quality accommodation and VIP-service. 
The tourist audience of the destination is manly wealthy and educated people. Singapore is sold by various companies as a purely excursion stop-over direction (on the way to the islands of Indonesia and Malaysia) and as a family, excursion and romantic rest area, as also – event tourism and MICE. 
Although a beach holiday in Singapore is not an independent direction, the famous sandy beaches of Sentosa Island are attractive for tourists. The warm sea with the purest water, as well as protective nets against the attack of marine predators, rescuers  (who control the situation in the water) and the efficient operation of the first-aid posts ensure complete safety rest and are highly appreciated by Russian tourists. 
Singapore has a reputation as the second largest gambling center in Asia. The casino has been legalized here since 2005. Lovers of casino tours are undoubtedly attracted by one of the most famous casinos in Asia – “Resorts World Sentosa” and “Marina Bay Stands”, where visitors, besides being able to get a chance on stakes and a good portion of adrenalin, are invited to taste exotic oriental dishes. 
Event tourism is primarily a stage of the Formula 1 race and the 10-day season of the Singapore Grand Prix. At this time the demand for places in hotels exceeds the supply. 
As tour operators have noted, in the current season more VIP level tourists with high requirements not only for hotels, but also to the entire service, began interested in tours to Singapore. Such VIP-tourists often book not only 5* premium hotels, but also the services of a Russian-speaking guide and a car with a driver for the whole day and make up the sightseeing program themselves. 
Nevertheless, the budget segment remains in Singapore in sufficient numbers (for this country). According to the observations of tour operators, as a rule, such tourists book a 3* hotel and one group sightseeing tour with a Russian-speaking guide. Another part of sightseeing is discovered by these tourists independently. 
The demand for travel to Singapore is also promoted by the fact that air travel to this area is well balanced and there are quite a few of them: the tours can be built on the basis of Singapore Airlines flights and additionally there are always connection options with other airlines. For example, Qatar Airways and Emirates offer convenient options with minimal change. The representatives of Singapore Airlines at a press conference last year reported that they are optimistic about the growth prospects of air transportation between Singapore and Russia. Since May 31, 2017, this airline has increased the frequency of direct flights from Moscow to Singapore to five times a week (there were 4 before). In addition, if the change requires 5.5 hours or more, the airline offers passengers free 2.5 hours bus tours across Singapore. 
Undoubtedly, the work of the Singapore Tourism Office in the Russian Federation and Eastern Europe at the Singapore Embassy in Moscow provides the growth in interest among the Russians to the country as a year-round tourist destination on the Russian market. 
According to the director of the representative office, Ms. Beverly Au Yun, Russia today achieves the 6-th line in the list of all European countries by the number of tourists traveling to Singapore, following the UK, Germany, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands.