Commenting on Sentosa’s planned development to upgrade it into a major tourist destination, SMU Associate Professor of Marketing (Education) Seshan Ramaswami said Singapore’s strengths – including its location, cleanliness, transport links, use of English language and cultural diversity – placed it in good standing compared with other Asian tourist destinations. He noted that managing costs for the average tourist would remain a challenge, so Singapore may have to focus on the higher end of the market while developing the hostel or budget hotel sector and offering special bundled deals to attract mid-tier tourists. He predicted that the Greater Sentosa development would provide an enhanced beach or island resort experience within a much more interesting overall experience, rather than compete directly with Bali or Phuket.
