Singapore is set to attract high numbers of travellers from the Middle East to its Hari Raya Puasa celebrations this year, as more people use their Eid breaks to observe one of the Far East’s largest and most colourful Islamic events.
Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan and is the equivalent to the Eid al-Fitr festival observed in the Middle East.
Streets are lit up with colourful displays and the city hosts a large outdoor bazaar, featuring a range of traditional foods, crafts and home furnishings. The event, which is one of the most important dates on the calendar for Muslims in Singapore, is also one of the prime showcases for Malay heritage and culture.
This year, executives at Singapore Tourism Board hope to draw more travellers from the Middle East to attend the annual Festival.
“The Hara Raya Puasa festivities are a very important event for Muslims in Singapore and also clearly portray the modern and ethnically diverse nature of our island state to visitors from around the world,” said Alan Tan, Middle East Director, Singapore Tourism Board.
“Every year, we welcome large numbers of travellers from around the world, and we are hoping to host higher numbers of visitors from the Middle East in 2005,” added Tan.
This year in Singapore, Arab Street, Baghdad Street, Bussorah Street, Bussorah Mall, Kandahar Street and Sultan Gate will be colourfully decorated and illuminated. One of the central districts, Kampong Gelam, is set to be abuzz with activity with the traditional food bazaar at Kandahar Street selling a mix of Malay, Indian and Middle-Eastern food and with various cafes opening till late into the night.
In addition, Singapore’s Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) will, for the first time, be joining in the Hari Raya celebrations this year and there will be a special Ramadan and Hari Raya exhibition from October 22 to November 13, as well as a whole host of other activities ranging from cooking demonstrations to auctions.
Marah Hoessein Salim, general manager of the Malay Heritage Centre added, “We hope that visitors to this historical district will soak in the unique atmosphere and gain an insight into the true spirit of the Malay and Muslim communities in Singapore.”
Singapore Tourism Board will organise a range of promotions for visitors so that they may sample local culture during Hari Raya Puasa. Visitors will be able to obtain an “Eid al-Fitr Welcome Meal” voucher, entitling them to a complimentary meal at selected restaurants. Selected hotels – including the Fragrance Hotel, Tristar Inn, and the Golden Landmark Hotel – will offer preferential rates to visitors during this period.
About Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is an economic development agency for one of Singapore's key service sectors - tourism. The mission of the Board is to develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth for Singapore.
With its strategic tourism units covering the key purposes of visit by tourists, the STB will work towards revitalising traditional segments ranging from sightseeing and attractions to business travel, as well as actively tap into emerging segments such as healthcare and education services.
These initiatives will be reinforced by STB’s international operations which cover the key markets in Asia, Oceania, Europe and Americas, with expanded resources to capitalise on growth markets like China and India.
STB's goal is to create exciting and innovative experiences for our visitors, in close partnership with the trade industry, thus etching forever in visitors' minds an image of Singapore as a unique and compelling destination.
