After 2006, Singapore's tourism industry will never be the same again. The government's approval for two casinos marks the end of an era for the squeaky-clean city-state.
The first casino will be built by Las Vegas Sands, who is investing S$5 billion (US$3.16 billion/£1.6 billion), to create a casino in Singapore's downtown area, just across the marina from the financial district and downtown convention center. With an eye on the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibits (MICE) travel segment, the huge complex will also feature 110,000 sq. m (1,184,040 sq. ft.) of meeting space, two 2,000-seat theaters, three hotel towers, an ArtScience museum, luxury retail outlets, dining venues in floating pavilions on the bay, plus innovative public spaces that include a rooftop park with a 360-degree city view, an ice-skating rink, and indoor canals.
The second casino is being developed by Genting International and Star Cruises, who will invest S$5.2 billion (US$3.3 billion/£1.65 billion) to build an enormous facility on Sentosa Island. Geared toward family and leisure activities, the casino will be supported by spa resort accommodations, restaurants, and bars, plus retail and entertainment outlets. Perhaps the most exciting part of the package will be the addition of Universal Studios Singapore, promised to be Asia's largest, with 22 attractions in themed "worlds," including "Journey to Madagascar," and a DreamWorks Digital Animation Studio. Also in the works is the Quest Marine Life Park with the largest single marine tank in the world, and an interactive dolphin habitat. The Equarius Water Park will feature water rides and a maritime museum. Three amphitheaters will have international entertainment, including a resident show from the creators of Cirque du Soleil.
While the estimated completion date for these projects is 2010, I predict that in super-efficient Singapore, they will be up and running much sooner than that.
In the future also look to Singapore Airlines to be the first airline to use the massive Airbus 380 for commercial passenger flights. These double-decker jets have 49% more floor space than Boeing's 747, but incorporate only 35% more seats, allowing room for fun extras like bars, gyms, and duty-free shops. The mammoth plane will be rolled out in 2007 for the "kangaroo route" between Sydney, Singapore, and London.
