CATERING TO THE INDIAN MARKET

Marina Bay Sands feels India represents an important visitor segment for them and have achieved growing momentum in our Indian guest occupancy numbers. India is among its top 5 top overseas visitor source market based on number of hotel guests and the number of room nights has been steadily increasing over the past two months. Demonstrating the importance of the Indian market Marina Bay Sands organised events such as Zee Cine Awards 2011 that further increases the number of Indian guests who visit the property. Regarded as one of the most prestigious awards in the Indian film industry, Zee Cine Awards 2011 drew over 8,000 guests and over 80 Indian celebrities to the Sands Expo and Convention Center including Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra. According to statistics posted by Singapore Tourism Board (STB), January 2011 posted the highest number of arrivals recorded ever for the month of January and these high visitor numbers include 63,000 Indian travelers. Marina Bay Sands offers a myriad of packages that appeal to guests of all ages, like their signature hotel packages such as The Luxe Package and the Lion King Signature Package. As the name suggests, The Luxe Package provides guests the opportunity experience the ultimate in fine food, wine, entertainment and shopping. Guests can choose either an elegant Club Room or Orchid Suite with exclusive access to The Club at Marina Bay Sands, located at Sands SkyPark, a complimentary bottle of Champagne upon arrival and an evening for two at the delicious gourmet & new Chocolate Bar located on the Sands SkyPark. The Lion King Signature Package provides a selection of a 1 night package or package with 2 nights or more and 3 categories of tickets where guests can not only enjoy the spectacular Lion King production but also a luxurious night in one of Marina Bay Sands rooms with unlimited access to the Sands SkyPark Pool and complimentary entry to the observation deck. Marina Bay Sands also provides tailor-made packages for events that take place around the Marina Bay vicinity which place guests at the center of all the excitement. With Singapore’s 46th National Day fast approaching, Marina Bay Sands celebrates its second National Day since its opening with the National Day Celebration Offer. It’s a great experience celebrating the national day within walking distance of the Floating Platform at Marina Bay. The packages includes a stay at Marina Bay Sands from 8-10 August 2011, where guests will enjoy the best available rate on 9 August, 50% off their selected second night (8 or 10 August), be entitled to 250 Krisflyer Miles, have unlimited access to Sands SkyPark and complimentary access to Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. The new trends in Indian travelers who visit the property are well-heeled travelers who enjoy the various cuisines Marina Bay Sands have to offer. Celebrity Chef Restaurants such as Santi and Mozza are some of the restaurants enjoyed by Indian travelers. SANTI was the late Chef Santi Santamaria’s first foray into Asia and has been warmly received by diners. Mozza is Mario Batali’s first venture into Asia, marking another milestone for the chef who has 14 restaurants, eight cookbooks and a host of television shows under his name. Apart from these restaurants, for those who wish to have Indian food as part of their daily meal, they have a popular Indian restaurant “Taste of India” at our food marketplace, Rasapura Masters. Come July, we will be launching the multi-award-winning Punjab Grill by Jiggs Kalra. Recognising the diversity of North Indian cuisine, Chef Jiggs Kalra has introduced specialties to his restaurant at The Shoppes, including the art of barbeque – Indian style. Most of the guests of the Marina Bay Sands enjoy the various facilities that are on offer, like taking a dip in the infinity pool or enjoy the Chocolate Bar at The Club. Marina Bay Sands has become a must visit destination, winning the imagination of travelers with iconic attractions such as the Sands SkyPark, the ArtScience Museum and the nightly light and water spectacular, Wonder Full. Marina Bay Sands has welcomed 19.6 million visitors in its first year of operation since it opened on 27 April 2010. They continue to target Indian leisure and business travelers. Additionally, they are also reached out to the Indian wedding segment as part of our overall MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) business strategy. Marina Bay Sands is also becoming a popular choice for weekend travelers even from the Indian market In India they work with travel agencies such as Krisia Holidays and Saltours to offer the Best Available Rates for our hotel to the Indian market.