Singapore will be welcoming the World Aquatics Championships from 11 July to 3 August 2023. This event is a unique opportunity and milestone in the international sports calendar. The championships will take place at two primary venues: Sentosa Island and the Singapore Sports Hub in Kallang. This iconic event features six fast, fun and furious sports – swimming, water polo, diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming and high diving. It’s expected to bring in over 40,000 international attendees!
The World Aquatics Championships are taking place as Singapore prepares to celebrate her 60th birthday, making the homecoming even more special. The event was initially scheduled to take place in Kazan, Russia. Due to the geopolitical realities that emerged following the invasion of Ukraine, it was shifted to Singapore. The championships last took place in Fukuoka City, Japan, two years ago.
Economic Impact and Tourist Influx
The World Aquatics Championships promises to bring an influx of visitors. This sudden boom is estimated to bring in at least S$60 million, or approximately US$46 million, in tourist dollars. This economic infusion comes just in time. Today, Singapore is making strides in recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whatever the reason, hotels in Singapore are making all efforts to prepare for the surge of guests. The restored Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay hotel features more than 600 guest rooms. It expects to be able to fill July and August to capacity! At the same time, bookings at independent boutique hotel 21 Carpenter in Clarke Quay have surged over last year at this time according to GM Clara So.
“I would say that it’s a 7 to 8 per cent increase compared to last year,” – Tarun Kalra, General Manager of 21 Carpenter.
Kalra underscored the hotel’s focus on improving its employees’ qualifications to better cater to global guests. He touched on the need to prepare staff with the talents that would help ensure the best welcome to guests from more than 190 nationalities.
Hotel Preparations and Staffing
In preparation for the millions of tourists headed this way, hotels are taking a few targeted precautions. Phil Smith, director of operations at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, explains how they require more staff and security to help measures.
“Some of the things that we’re looking at and are planning for, is obviously additional manning to help with the large amount of arrivals and departures,” – Phil Smith.
Smith further stressed the need for language skills among staff to help welcome guests of all backgrounds.
“When it comes to the front office, how do we make sure that we’ve got people to help cope with the many different languages?” – Phil Smith.
As hotels get ready for this influx, they’re thinking ahead to the kind of bespoke requests that international guests are known for.
Event Logistics and Temporary Facilities
The World Aquatics Championships would be held in the already-established venues. An interim facility would be constructed in a car park beside Leisure Park Kallang Mall. This collaborative structure ensures that each gathering is a productive and well-hosted event. It also delivers the very best amenities convening athletes and fans as well.
Today, multiple stakeholders across Singapore’s hospitality and tourism sectors are working in concert. Together, they are creating a cohesive experience for attendees from start to finish. As the preparations for the event are going full steam ahead, Singapore is set to once again prove its mettle as an ideal host for international sporting events.
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