Great Deals to get to Singapore

WHILE many seasoned travelers and foreigners worldwide are delaying their overseas travel plans either due to the global outbreak of Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 infection or the raging financial crisis, Singapore Airlines (SIA), in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), is seizing the moment to attract more tourists through exciting five-month special promotions.

Ongoing until September 2009, stopovers in Singapore via SIA start at $1. This promo includes first night in a hotel for $1, airport transfers and entry to the country’s leading tourism attractions such as Sentosa Island, Singapore Zoo, Malay Heritage Centre, National Orchid Garden, Peranakan Museum, Singapore River Bumboat Tour and Jurong Bird Park.

“The current economic situation is an advantage to create value-for-money offerings and give people a chance to travel,” explains Lynelle Seow, Philippines area director of STB. “Singapore is even H1N1-free, so there’s nothing to be worried about.”

The $1 Fabulous Singapore Stopover may be availed upon arrival at Changi Airport. Travelers will be given a special identification card at the SIA Singapore Stopover Holiday counter.

For holiday planners who wish to book with SIA and fly from June 1 to September 30, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, together with STB, offers free one-night hotel stay with a 50-percent discount on food and beverage in designated F&B outlets of the participating hotels. This SIA Holiday treat is good for two persons who will travel from Manila at a rate of $378. The fare includes all-in airfare on Economy Class, two nights hotel accommodation (first night free), roundtrip airport transfers, discounted entry to selected leading attractions in Singapore, and unlimited free rides in Singapore Airlines’ “Hop-On Bus”.

A romantic rendezvous for couples in the City of Light is now possible as SIA will fly the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger plane, starting June 1. The award-winning carrier noted that “passengers from Manila, Cebu and Davao taking Singapore Airlines and SilkAir can conveniently connect on the same day to these A380 flights.”

The roundtrip Manila-to-Paris has an introductory all-in fare of $954 on New Economy Class seat.

On top of these enticing deals from SIA and STB, other delightful reasons to visit Singapore in the coming months include the Great Singapore Sale from May 29 to July 26, with a 70-percent discount and bargain deals on fashion items like watches, jewelries, consumer electronics and other luxury brands; the opening of Orchard Central Mall in June; the monthlong Singapore Food Festival in July; and the much-awaited 2009 Formula One SingTel Singapore Grand Prix from September 25 to 27 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

“I hope Filipinos will be more encouraged to travel in Singapore on these dates. It is a country full of exciting events, shopping, food festivals and great entertainment,” says Seow.