Resorts World Sentosa signs deal to help develop Sentosa Precinct Partnership

This multi-lateral partnership will unveil an exciting line-up of joint offerings aimed at propelling tourism growth and solidifying Sentosa’s position as Asia’s premier island resort getaway and leading lifestyle destination.

The inaugural partnership will synergise the marketing efforts adopted by all parties which will invite guests to discover more of Sentosa. These efforts include SDC’s holistic event line-up and new offering launches; STB’s Made in Singapore global brand campaign; RWS’ offerings of world-class attractions, luxury hotel stays, and lifestyle experiences; and DBS’ strengths in offering exceptional value in shopping, dining, travel, and family experiences for its customers across Singapore and key inbound markets including China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

It will strengthen Sentosa’s existing collaborations with businesses on the island and enhance guest experiences, driving overall growth in tourism arrivals and local attendance. Additionally, the partnership will encourage discovery of Sentosa offerings across accommodation, attractions, entertainment, dining, and retail, enabling a longer and more meaningful stay on Sentosa.

Guests to Sentosa can expect an enlivened precinct, with enhanced unique and personal experiences that create unforgettable memories and evoke the love of discovery with every visit to Sentosa. The partnership will also amplify opportunities for communities to co-create content across Sentosa, providing a platform for shared creativity to pursue their interest and passion.

Over at RWS, Singapore’s first integrated resort, marine enthusiasts can anticipate a renewed sense of discovery as they explore the expanded wonders of the S.E.A. Aquarium which will be tripled in size and rebranded as the Singapore Oceanarium. Expect new fascinating oceanic zones on the largely unexplored deep ocean and representations of Singapore’s coastal ecosystems. 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 dramatically transformed indoor venue in Q4 2024. Soon after, fans of the Minions will be delighted as 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 an extensive makeover into a 20,000 sqm trendy lifestyle space of upscale restaurants, specialty retail, entertainment, and new-to-market concept stores that lifestyle aficionados and gourmands will surely enjoy. These offerings are expected to elevate RWS’ destination appeal when they open progressively in 2025.

The multi-lateralpartnership announcement follows the soft opening of the highly anticipated Sentosa Sensoryscape. This 350-metre-long connector, featuring six innovative sensory gardens and an immersive night experience, is directly linked to Ave8 at RWS – a vibrant locale that offers a slew of diverse dining concepts. Further amplifying guests’ experiences are other recently opened offerings such as 1-Flowerhill which promises a multisensory dining experience nestled in nature; the lifestyle and entertainment destination The Palawan @ Sentosa with various dining and new-to-Singapore leisure experiences; and Tipsy Unicorn Beach Club, the high-energy beach club in Siloso Beach with live performances and themed events.

With Singapore’s robust tourism performance in 2023 and an optimistic outlook for 2024, this precinct partnership aims to boost tourism growth by offering visitors fresh and exciting experiences to look forward to. 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 supports the continued exploration of joint marketing initiatives to promote the precinct, enrich the visitor experience and strengthen Singapore’s standing as a vibrant lifestyle and business destination.

This significant 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, such as the newly launched DBS Travel World Elite card, and offers preferential travel privileges for its Treasures customers across its markets.

Building on the success of a three-year partnership between STB and DBS to stimulate tourism recovery in Singapore, this continued partnership will offer DBS/POSB customers a comprehensive and diverse suite of exclusive offers spanning accommodation, attractions, entertainment, dining, and retail experiences for every type of traveller.

The MOU was signed alongside STB’s Tourism Industry Conference and was witnessed by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, Grace Fu. The signatories were SDC Assistant Chief Executive (Business and Digital Technology Group) Michael Ma; RWS President Lee Shi Ruh; DBS Managing Director and Head of Consumer Banking Group (Singapore) Jeremy Soo; and STB Assistant Chief Executive (Marketing Group) Kenneth Lim.

In addition to Minister Grace Fu, the signing ceremony was witnessed by SDC Chief Executive Officer Thien Kwee Eng; RWS Chief Executive Officer Tan Hee Teck; Singapore Country Head of DBS Bank, Han Kwee Juan; and STB Chief Executive Melissa Ow.

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.”

Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive Officer, Resorts World Sentosa,said,: “Resorts World Sentosa always captivates guests with our distinctive combination of unique world-class attractions and lifestyle offerings. At the heart of our partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board, Sentosa Development Corporation and DBS is a shared vision to draw global visitors from diverse and affluent segments to the island, as well as increasing tourist spend. As we embark on our new chapter with our RWS 2.0 transformational plan, Resorts World Sentosa is well poised to become a shining gem of Singapore’s Greater Southern Waterfront, propelling tourism growth for Singapore over the next decade.”

Han Kwee Juan, Singapore Country Head, DBS Bank, said: “As Asia’s leading bank, DBS is delighted to be part of this inaugural strategic partnership to shape the future of Singapore’s tourism landscape amid a slew of exciting new developments in Sentosa. Local tourists, travellers, and especially families can unlock exclusive benefits and rewards from our extensive card privileges and offerings, amplifying their experience of the island’s myriad attractions. We hope that this partnership will draw more visitors to Sentosa and enhance Sentosa’s reputation as a world-class destination.”

Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Marketing Group), Singapore Tourism Board, said: “We are delighted to partner Sentosa Development Corporation, Resorts World Sentosa and DBS in this first-ever partnership to further engage visitors to Sentosa Island. With an exciting lineup of new and enhanced offerings being progressively launched within Sentosa, the partnership aims to encourage locals and overseas visitors to explore Sentosa and all it has to offer. With the support of dedicated partners, we are confident that Singapore will continue to appeal as a thriving tourism destination.”