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By Nikki De Guzman:
Singapore
is now widely considered the leisure and tourism capital of the 21st
century, offering a wide mix of cultures, modern developments and strong
economy, according to the San Francisco Examiner.
With a
land area of about 270 square miles and population of around five
million, the city-state has emerged as a hot spot for travellers who
stay in five-star hotels, shop and gamble.
The report also praised the island’s open-air hawker centres, the city’s architecture, marina and skyline.
At
the same time, some hot-button issues have been raised that people
would like resolved, such as political openness, labour rights and
environmental protection. Additionally, some have called for the
preservation of open spaces as many mega developments continue to spring
up.
But these projects may also be credited for enhancing
Singapore’s tourism appeal. For instance, the recently completed
250-acre Gardens by the Bay features meticulously landscaped gardens,
futuristic “supertrees” and other nature-inspired attractions.
The
article also shed some light on concerns faced by its citizens, such as
the high cost of living which could be associated with “Las Vegas-style
materialism”.
“As Singapore opens itself more to the world,
one hopes — for a country so embracing of modernity, yet so dependent on
smart development, careful management of its resources and tourism —
that they are getting the model right.”
Nikki De Guzman, Junior Reporter at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact her about this or other stories email nikki@propertyguru.com.sg
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