Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), DBS Bank (DBS), and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance Sentosa’s guest experience through the development of a Sentosa Precinct Partnership. This multi-lateral partnership aims to unveil a line-up of joint offerings aimed at bolstering tourism growth and solidifying Sentosa’s branding as a premier island resort getaway and lifestyle destination in Asia.
The inaugural partnership aims to support the marketing efforts adopted by all parties. These efforts include SDC’s event line-up and new offering launches; STB’s Made in Singapore global brand campaign; RWS’ attractions, luxury hotel stays, and lifestyle experiences; and DBS’ strengths in offering value in retail, dining, travel, and family experiences for its customers across Singapore and key inbound markets including China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, and Taiwan.
The partnership seeks to strengthen Sentosa’s existing collaborations with businesses on the island, driving overall growth in tourism arrivals and local attendance. Additionally, it aims to encourage the discovery of Sentosa offerings across accommodation, attractions, entertainment, dining, and retail, enabling a longer and more meaningful stay on Sentosa.
RWS will also play host to the Asian Premier of Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, a multimedia spectacle showcasing mysterious places of the Wizarding World within a transformed indoor venue in Q4 2024. Soon after, fans of the Minions will be treated to Illumination’s Minion Land opens at Universal Studios Singapore.
The Forum, which serves as RWS’ first port of call for many visitors, is also undergoing a makeover into a 20,000 sqm lifestyle space of upscale restaurants, specialty retail, entertainment, and new-to-market concept stores. These offerings are expected to open progressively in 2025.
The multi-lateral partnership announcement follows the soft opening of the Sentosa Sensoryscape. This 350-metre-long connector, featuring six sensory gardens, is directly linked to Ave8 at RWS.
According to STB’s 2023 data, tourism receipts across all categories recovered close to pre-pandemic levels, and visitors are staying for a longer duration than in 2019.
This growth is also observed by DBS in its major overseas card markets. In 2023, DBS recorded a third consecutive record year across its cards, with travel spending surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Today, the bank is the largest issuer of specialised cards with travel perks in Taiwan.
Ms Thien Kwee Eng, Chief Executive Officer, Sentosa Development Corporation, said, “The Sentosa Precinct Partnership is a bold step to foster even stronger collaboration and create a holistic One Sentosa Experience with our partners. We hope to unlock more opportunities for innovative and transformative guest experiences, further strengthening Singapore and Sentosa’s appeal to guests from our shores and beyond. We are excited to work with our MOU partners to pave the way for a future where every visit to Sentosa is a journey of discovery, leaving visitors with renewed inspiration and a sense of personal rejuvenation.”