Tag: attractions

Scientific Success

March 13, 2007 • Blog • 7 comments

School kids making a beeline for the sake of science!

Since I was a kid, I have always enjoyed visiting the Singapore Science Centre. One of Singapore’s leading attractions and a member of the Museum Roundtable, the Science Centre has managed to reinvent and rejuvenate itself over the years. This can be seen in its growing list of accolades – including one which stated that it is one of the world’s best science museums. Visitorship has also been improving, with close to 800,000 visitors popping through its doors in 2005 and more expected this year.

What are the scientific techniques which lead to its growing popularity? Let me put forward a few educated hypotheses!

Zoophilia

February 25, 2007 • Blog • 12 comments

I recently re-visited the Zoo during a management retreat. Amidst all that brainstorming activity, we did manage to squeeze a little time to visit the Zoo. As I walked through the lush environment in the warm tropical Sun, I was convinced once again why the Zoo can attract more than a million visitors a year! Here’s the story through photos.

The first thing is landscaping. Notice how the home of the Hamadryas Baboons from Ethiopia looks better than a District 10 Bungalow? Go ahead and drool folks!

Flying High in the Ferris Wheel Stakes

February 2, 2007 • Blog • 13 comments

Courtesy of www.singaporeflyer.com.sg

I followed with much interest the recent news on the Singapore Flyer and how corporate organisations are making a beeline to book it for their functions. It is certainly heartening to see it kick off to a flying start, especially in light of the recent demise of Crazy Horse Paris and Jurong Crocrodile Paradise. With Adval running it (a subsidiary of NTUC Club), and a highly experienced management team (some of whom I know personally), I believe that it will at least have enough horsepower to keep itself going for some time.

To sustain itself over the long haul however, the Singapore Flyer will need to constantly sharpen its saw and offer unique value to its customers. There are many giant ferris wheels around the world – the London Eye, the Eye on Malaysia, a proposed Giant Wheel in Berlin (2008), another in Las Vegas, and yet another in Shanghai (the Shanghai Star). If you count the smaller sized wheels, there are plenty more in cities like Osaka, Hokkaido, and even Bangkok’s Suan Lum Night Market!

Haughty Horses and Clueless Crocodilians

January 25, 2007 • Blog • 13 comments

Two things caught my eye today as I scanned the newspapers.

The more highly publicised one was of course the untimely demise of Crazy Horse Paris, a topless cabaret show that kicked off 14 months ago with much ra-ra and buzz. Touted to bring Singapore’s entertainment to an exciting feverish pitch, it somehow failed to live up to expectations.

What led to its early departure from Singapore’s nightlife scene?

7 As of Marketing Experiences

January 12, 2007 • Business and Management, Public Relations • 1 comment

Sprite Shower – a great example of experiential marketing (courtesy of Exact Drive)

How do you market a theme park, museum, or holiday resort? Do the traditional 4 Ps of Product, Price, Place and Promotion still work?

The answer certainly lies less in your marketing mix and more in what I’d call your Experience Mix.

What Makes an Event Great?

December 26, 2006 • Business and Management • 3 comments

William Troy Taylor’s wedding-inspired masterpiece at the Singapore Garden Festival.

What are the secret ingredients behind a successful show able to attract the masses and become the talk of the town? How does one stand out from amongst the busloads of events, all competing for one’s share of mind, time and wallet? Are all festivals the same or are some destined for greatness while others, doomed for failure?

My recent visit to the Singapore Garden Festival triggered some fresh insights on what makes an event or exhibition delightful and memorable. Much of it, as you may have guessed, comes from months and weeks of hard behind-the-scenes work.

The Hanging Gardens of Singapore

December 24, 2006 • Blog • 6 comments

Merry Christmas dear visitors! Hope to add some yule-tide cheer with some greenery here.

I was recently invited for the Singapore Garden Festival as part of the delegation from the Association of Singapore Attractions. Despite only having an hour-and-a-half to do a whirlwind tour, I was left gushing after the amazing experience. The National Parks Board has done many things right this time around for the festival.

Here are some highlights of the show for the benefit of those who missed it.

How Resorts World Can Succeed

December 10, 2006 • Blog • 6 comments

Aerial view of Genting’s winning bid Resort World, courtesy of Channelnewsasia

By now, the news would already have been out. Genting International and Star Cruises, the widely-anticipated front runner in the $5 billion plus Sentosa Integrated Resorts stakes, had won the bid.

While the design of their Resorts World may not match the architectural statement and drama of Frank Gehry’s light and glass creation for Kerzner International, it had most of the right ingredients. This included the combination of Universal Studios theme park, Dreamworks Studio, record breaking aquarium, water theme park, and maritime museum. Add to that Genting’s expertise in the Asian tourism market (with 20 million annual visitors to their Genting Highlands Resort) and ability to keep to the nature focus of Sentosa (70% green cover) and it is clear why they won.

Why Night Safari is World Class

December 4, 2006 • Blog • 1 comment

Last Saturday, I brought my family to the Night Safari, one of Singapore’s top performing leisure attraction. The place was swarming with both locals and tourists alike, and the atmosphere was simply electric. Sprawled over 40 hectares, this wildlife destination attracts more than a million visitors a year, and has won numerous Tourism Awards for being the best attraction.

What are the secrets to its success? Well, here are some thoughts from somebody who works in this industry who is also a customer.