http://imcms2.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20100306/0603NRW010.pdf
By Teo Xuan wei
PHOTO: RWS expects the theme park to attract 4.5 million visitors a year when operations are in full swing.
PHOTOS COURTESY RESORTS WOR LD SENTOSA
SINGAPORE — Universal Studios Singapore, the theme park at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), will open its doors to the public on March 18.
Just like when RWS opened its casino, the US$4.4 billion integrated resort has chosen to officially start the theme park’s operations at what it believes to be an especially auspicious time — 8.28am this time round.
PHOTO: http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/44434/2467042860103482873S425x425Q85.jpg
Although the good news for RWS is that the date catches the March school holidays, some industry players have doubts as to whether the park has left itself with too little time to iron out first-day kinks similar to those that occurred when the casino threw open its doors on Feb 14.
PHOTO: RWS’ Universal Studio to open doors during school holiday
Said Ms Alicia Seah, senior vice-president of marketing for CTC Holidays: “It may be a bit of a rush to put in place all the operating procedures — how to manage long queues, how to admit people quickly, for example.”
Already, RWS said on Friday it is “possible that certain attractions may become temporarily unavailable” as the theme park is still in its preview phase while it continues “technical and creative adjustments”.
It is offering partial discounts on ticket prices with rebates through $10 food and beverage vouchers and $5 retail vouchers.
To ensure a smooth start, RWS spokesperson Robin Goh said it will limit the number of guests admitted to the park. “This is to ensure there will be a phased run-in of the operations ... the number of visitors will be increased in time,” he said.
Tourism industry players expect the theme park to be a roaring success for at least the next two years.
PHOTO: http://www.relax.com.sg/site/servlet/linkableblob/relax/257984/topImage/Sentosa_IR_bank-topImage.jpg
The challenge is in sustaining the buzz beyond that time, they said. Mr Robert Khoo, chief executive of National Association of Travel Agents Singapore, said: “When the novelty wears off is anybody’s guess. They will have to constantly upgrade their offerings to make sure people do not get tired of it.”
Mr Goh said the theme park is expecting 4.5 million visitors a year when operations are in full swing.
Tickets go on sale at 9am on March 10. They can be bought at the park’s ticket booths, through online booking or phone booking.
Adult one-day passes on off-peak weekdays cost $66 each. During peak periods, it costs $72.
Teo Xuan weiPHOTO: RWS, the US$4.4 billion integrated resort has chosen to officially start the theme park’s operations at what it believes to be an especially auspicious time — 8.28am.
PHOTOS COURTESY RESORTS WOR LD SENTOSA
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