Singapore voted the Best Business City in The World

Singapore has been voted the Best Business City in the World for the fifth year running by readers of the Business Traveler Asia-Pacific magazine.

Singapore pipped Hong Kong and London to the top spot in the Best Business City category in the annual poll of the magazine's subscribers, comprising frequent travellers based mostly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Singapore also swept the polls in the other major categories this year. Singapore's Changi Airport clinched the Best Airport in the World title, and its range of duty-free shopping also came up tops with the magazine's readers. Shangri-La, Singapore, was voted the Best Business Hotel in the world and in the Asia Pacific region, while The Ascott, Singapore, garnered the Best Serviced Residence in the Asia Pacific title. Singapore Airlines (SIA) also dominated the airline categories, clinching the Best Airline and the Best Asia Pacific Airline titles in the poll.

The awards were presented at a presentation ceremony in Hong Kong on Sept. 9, 2005.

Attended by more than 400 travel industry leaders from the region, the ceremony was graced by guest-of-honor, Tung Chee Hwa, Hong Kong's former Chief Executive.

Aloysius Arlando, the Singapore Tourism Board's Acting Assistant Chief Executive (Business Travel and Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions and Exhibitions Group), said: "We are honored to be voted the World's Best Business City once again. In Singapore, we endeavor to offer the business traveler the best of business opportunities as well as an enjoyable and fun experience. With 7,000 MNCs (multi-national companies) regionally based in Singapore, a strong pro-business environment, excellent events infrastructure and Singapore's strategic position as a gateway into the burgeoning Asia Pacific market, there is no shortage of good business prospects and networking opportunities to be had in Singapore."

"Couple this with Singapore's wide array of cultural and leisure attractions, diverse dining and nightlife options, and extensive calendar of events, the business traveler can look forward to many combinations of exciting after-hours activities after a busy day of business meetings and events. This attractive mix of business and leisure offerings provide every business traveler a memorable experience that is Uniquely Singapore."

In 2004, Singapore welcomed an estimated 2.2 million business and MICE visitors, accounting for about 26 percent of total visitor arrivals of 8.3 million.

Peggy Teo, the publisher of Business Traveler Asia-Pacific magazine, said: "The past year was not without some interesting challenges. But it's tough times that inspire creative sparks and determination to exceed expectations. The winners as well as the runners up have impressed our readers with their impeccable commitment to the highest standards of service. They all deserve to take center-stage."

The Best Business City title is the latest accolade that Singapore has clinched recently. Other recent accolades won include the top convention city in Asia and the third top convention city in the world (International Congress and Convention Association 2004) and the top convention city in Asia for 22 consecutive years (Union of International Associations 2004).

The Business Traveler Asia-Pacific magazine is in its 24th year of publication, and is one of seven regional editions of the magazine around the world; the others are published in the UK, the USA, China, Germany, the Middle East and Hungary.

-The report has been taken from www.stb.com.