CONVENTION TOURISM IN SINGAPORE : A STUDY OF THE DELEGATES' FAMILY MEMBERS

Abstract

As a modern city-state, urban tourism characterises the type of tourism experienced in Singapore. Convention tourism forms an integral and specialised component of tourism in the city. The convention tourism market is actively promoted due to the economic benefits it brings to the city. Moreover, the ability to undertake convention tourism greatly enhances the international profile and reputation of a city. Therefore, convention tourism development is seen as a means to urban development. While much attention in convention tourism is devoted to convention delegates, the thesis attempts to approach the research from the perspective of the family members. Family members often influence the decision of the delegates to visit a city for conventions. Hence, cities which attract family members to visit as a tourist destination will stand a better chance of attracting more delegates for conventions. One objective of the thesis is to provide qualitative information on this distinct group of convention tourists in recognition of their important role. Ashworth's (1989) four approaches of urban tourism are used to frame the study, examining the policy, user, facility and ecological dimensions of tourism. The Tourist-Historic City concept by Ashworth and Tunbridge ( 1990) is applied to Singapore's context. The location of the convention centres and hotels within the historic district creates a unique urban landscape combining features of historicity and modernity. An international convention served as the field study where questionnaire surveys and interviews were conducted for the family members. This provided the details for an in-depth understanding of the convention tourism scenario. The study shows that the spatial and temporal development of convention tourism in Singapore are due to of several factors. These factors include historic inertia, government intervention, landuse planning, accessibility and tourist attractions. A convention tourism model is proposed to validate the impact of such factors on the resultant tourism landscape. While convention tourism brings numerous benefits to Singapore, there is increased competition to secure the lucrative tourism trade. An evaluation is made on the futures and prospects of convention tourism in Singapore. Convention tourism may offer a viable option for tourism development, allowing the city to join the ranks of London, Paris or New York.