Singapore: world's most popular city for international meetings
By David Flynn, December 30 2013
Singapore has once again topped the list as the world's most popular city for international meetings, conventions and other assorted gabfests.
According to the Union of International Associations – yes, it's an association for associations – Singapore beat out Euro-faves Brussels, Vienna, Paris and London, along with Asian pow-wow powerhouses Seoul and and Tokyo, as the number one destination for international meetings in 2012.
Of just under 10,500 meetings recognised and reported by the UIA through the Yearbook of International Organisations and in the International Congress Calendar, 9.5 percent took place in the Lion City.
It's the sixth year in a row that Singapore has taken the conference and congress crown, due to the city's "international appeal, strategic location and access to key Asian markets" according to the Singapore Tourism Board.
Add in the booming restaurant scene, new sights such as Gardens By The Bay and a dollop of after-hours shopping, and Singapore is sitting pretty.
One of the next major Singapore events for the travel sector will the travel trade festival Travel Rave 2013, to be held over October 21-25.
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Nov 2011
Total posts 243
What would be off-putting would be to wear business suit in a hot country!
Reckon there should be an exception that shorts and light shirts should be allowed for meetings occurring in Singapore.
04 Nov 2010
Total posts 670
I've been visiting Singapore a bit lately due to change in my role, more regional than just Australian based, and a lot of meetings are okay for 'business casual' Sagidec. Yes, having to wear the full suit & tie is a bit much but I'm told the locals are used to it! The rest of us just need to get a really lightweight suit (I bought two just for this reason, they are my "Singapore suit!s") and stick to the air-conditioning as much as possible!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
As Lee Kuan Yew said, in Singapore the locals cope for two reasons: 1) "good glands" and 2) "good purpose".
Honestly, I've lived in those parts and you really do get used to it after a while.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Nov 2011
Total posts 243
I've grown up pretty much my childhood in Malaysia for good 20 years. I never got used to the heat and humidity. Still don't whenever I head over to visit the families.
Thankfully I had the ambitious genes to move to a decent weathered country.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
Perhaps I was lucky to have sea breeze in Penang!
09 Jan 2014
Total posts 3
I can say that Singapore is a beautiful country. The place was really civilized and business community is rapidly growing. No wonder, it is one of the best place for business and international meetings.
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