Hotels expect higher demand in second half of 2024, with major events and big-name concerts lined up

SINGAPORE: Some hotels are eyeing a pickup in demand in the coming months, driven by major events on the horizon that are likely to bring more visitors to Singapore. 
 
On the calendar are various top-tier events such as the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix in September. 
 
There are also several big acts scheduled to hold concerts here later this year, including British popstar Dua Lipa, American singer Olivia Rodrigo and Mandopop star Jay Chou. 

RISING DEMAND FOR HOTEL ROOMS 

Demand for rooms at boutique hotel 21 Carpenter, nestled in an early 20th century remittance house on Carpenter Street, has increased since April. During this summer holiday season, business went up by about 10 per cent.
 
The hotel is among new accommodations near the Clarke Quay area. Most of its guests come from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong.
 
“April was slightly soft for most of us in the market. We were driving on a high that we had in March, (when Singapore) had Taylor Swift (to perform for six) nights, which was amazing for our city. In April, there was a real softener that hit us,” said Mr Tarun Kalra, general manager of 21 Carpenter. 
 
“In general, the sentiment in the market has been a bit more positive. And we do see the booking pace to be on track to compare to last year, and even better looking at the future.”
 
Mr Tarun expects the demand to go up by 30 per cent in the next three to six months, as major events attract more visitors into the country.
 
“Even though a lot of the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) events go to Suntec or Marina Bay Sands, or they're held in Sentosa, I think there's always a spillover effect that comes into the other hotels around the city,” he added.
 
“Because regular guests that normally would stay at another hotel are now looking for something different, and we could be that perfect spot for them to enjoy a different location or a different vibe. And that's where we fit into the bigger picture.”

VISITING NEW ATTRACTIONS

The Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa is also observing a rising trend in reservations for the second half of this year.
 
Room bookings for the National Day weekend in August, for instance, are coming in strong. 
 
“With National Day taking place over a long weekend, we are already anticipating high occupancy over that weekend,” said Ms Michelle Wan, cluster director of corporate communications at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa. 
 
“With world-class sporting events, major MICE events and conferences, as well as concerts, we're optimistic that we can tap into these opportunities to complement our sales strategies.”
 
The hotel told CNA that the 30-day mutual visa exemption scheme for Chinese tourists has been a bonus, and has helped boost the demand for its rooms.
 
It added that Sentosa’s new attractions, such as the Sensoryscape garden walkway and children’s edutainment theme park KidZania, are also helping to bring in visitors.