Singapore Flyer passes 1-million mark in tickets, eyes 2.5m goal
By Judith Tan
FLYING HIGH: The Singapore Flyer has sold one million tickets - just five months after it opened its doors for business. — ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN
THE Singapore Flyer has crossed the one-million mark in ticket sales - just five months after the $240 million attraction opened for business.
Nearly half the tickets sold were bought by tourists. The rest went mainly to local grassroots organisations, schools and corporate groups.
Last month’s ticket sales were 20 per cent more than in June, said chairman of the Flyer, Mr Florian Bollen.
‘At this rate, I am confident that we can achieve our target of 2.5 million visitors in its first year of operation,’ he added.
To give visitors a reason to return, the 165m-tall observation wheel has changed the direction in which it turns.
Previously, it was moving away from the financial centre towards the east. But since Monday, it has been moving towards the financial district.
‘Fengshui plays a part here. It bodes well to move towards the money centre,’ Mr Bollen said, laughing.
He was speaking to reporters yesterday at the opening of a new visitors’ centre at the Flyer.
Jointly organised by the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (Natas) and the Association of Singapore Attractions, the centre will provide visitors with hotel bookings, flight information and tickets to tourist attractions.
It is the second such centre to open here. The first, in Orchard Road, undergoes a two-month renovation from today.
While visitor numbers are on target, shops and restaurants around the Flyer have said they are losing money because most people head straight for the ride and skip their businesses.
Mr Bollen said locating the visitors’ centre on the ground level ‘will help bring visitors to the grounds’.
‘We are working with tenants on ideas to make the Flyer a whole shopping and dining experience as well,’ he said.
Mr Robert Khoo, CEO of Natas, said that when the integrated resort is completed, business will be better. ‘I truly believe a surge in tourist numbers will definitely come.’
Source : Straits Times - 01 Aug 2008
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