THE smallest country in Southeast Asia continues to develop and has become one of the world’s wealthiest countries, a major and powerful center of global manufacturing and service industries with a wealth of multinational investments.

Here is a small nation-state with all the touchstones of civic life. Think trees, plants, parks and walkways.

From the beauty of the grand colonial architecture right beside brash, feng shuied, contemporary buildings, to the fusion of its cuisine brought together by global elements, right to the proud sense of heritage and cultural preservation; this small island-nation conveys a colorful uniqueness, which has made it one of the world’s most desirable destinations with a timeless allure and a garden-city demeanor of its own.

In 2007, the tourism sector reported 10.3 million visitors from Indonesia, China, Australia, India, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Among these markets, India, Australia, the Philippines and China posted high growths. But the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has made the announcement: It will fall short of tourism targets for this year.

Already in place are Chinese New Year (Year of the Golden Ox) promotions and packages for the short-haul travel market from Asia Pacific which will most likely continue to dominate tourism in Asia for the next year.

Ongoing is the special tourist promotion to make Singapore a top-of-mind destination for yearend travel. “Sweet Christmas in the Tropics” is designed for families seeking a weekend of holiday fun. Geraldine Yeo, director of leisure marketing and events management of STB, said, “Even though the global economy is going through uncertain times now, we hope that the events and promotions will not only heighten the buzz of the yearend festivities by making Singapore a more attractive holiday destination but also help to round off the year on a sweet note for our visitors.”

Hospitality

Singapore, with a land area of 273 square miles, has over a hundred hotels. Your choices are so varied that not only can you enjoy the pure pleasure of staying in a landmark building—the Raffles or Fullerton Hotel—with every luxury at your disposal, from the modern conveniences of the impressive rooms to the variety of quality restaurants and bars within each hotel, you can also imbibe the energy of the most sophisticated and cosmopolitan city in Southeast Asia.

Capitalizing on Singapore’s fabled riverfront, colonial architecture and landscape of cricket fields, red-tiled bungalows and giant acacia trees, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has turned areas like Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, even the old Tanglin Barracks in Dempsey Hill, into bustling hubs of fashionable dining, entertainment and retail activity.

The Meritus Mandarin on Orchard Road offers the distinct advantage of being right in the central shopping area to all its guests, counting venerable shopping shrines like Takashimaya, Tangs and Paragon as neighbors.

The Carlton Hotel is strategically located at the crossroads of Singapore’s busiest financial and convention centers: Suntec City, Marina Shopping Center and the Esplanade.

Just a corner away is Singapore’s Grand Old Dame, the historic Raffles Hotel, now a national monument, as well as Chijmes (Convent of the Holy Infant of Jesus), a convent and school built in the 1850s and later remodeled by the URA into a destination for visitors and residents.
Here, small stores selling antiques and curios, chic cafés and restaurants wrap around an inner courtyard shaded by centuries-old trees.

The old church within the grounds is now a much-sought-after venue for Catholic weddings.

The Carlton is also a favorite of many Filipino visitors because of its proximity to three Catholic churches.

For the stylish, the young and trendy tourist, there’s Gallery Hotel, a postmodern structure located along the colorful Singapore riverfront area right in the heart of Robertson Quay; a lively entertainment district, perfect for leisurely evening walks, dining and people-watching.

The InterContinental Hotel in the heart of Singapore’s famed Bugis district blends a storied Southeast Asian past with today’s up-market luxury.

Located 10 minutes away from Orchard Road, it is within the most diverse shopping and retail area.

Asia in a plate

As cosmopolitan as its population is its cuisine. Singapore’s food culture is complex in a most delightful and delicious way. It is a combination of different cultural ways with food, as such, broad and yet distinct.

Dining out in Singapore’s hawker centers is a multi-sensorial experience. Go to any of these hawker centers and taste Asia in a plate.

Hawker food is still the heartbeat of Singapore’s culinary culture.

For details regarding “Christmas in the Tropics,” e-mail ho_wan_ling@stb.gov.sg