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Singapore tourism industry must create unique experiences to survive: veteran hotelier Arthur Kiong

He brings his philosophy to life with the four hotels Far East Hospitality manages on Sentosa

Jessie Lim
Published Wed, Dec 3, 2025 · 04:00 PM
    • Experiences which are unique, to the point that visitors are prepared to pay handsomely in order to enjoy them, would be the challenge going forward.
    • Experiences which are unique, to the point that visitors are prepared to pay handsomely in order to enjoy them, would be the challenge going forward. PHOTO: YEN MENG JIIN, BT

    [SINGAPORE] The tourism industry in Singapore is entering a new phase and the sector will need to deliver uniquely Singaporean experiences for visitors in order to survive.

    Speaking to The Business Times, hospitality veteran Arthur Kiong, who has spent four decades in the industry, said: “Our first phase of tourism (was) ‘Me Too’. You have your Champs-Elysees and Fifth Avenue, we have Orchard Road. 

    “The second phase of tourism was ‘Me Better’. You’ve got convention centres, we’ve got a better (one). 

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