Singapore Tourism Board, 1-10-2006
The S$200 million Singapore Flyer will put Singapore on the same stage as world cities such as Paris with its Eiffel Tower and London with its London Eye.
Said Mr Alexander Melchers, the Singapore-based director of Melchers Pte Ltd, whose company is building the 165-metre observation wheel: 'The Singapore Flyer will become an Iconic Viewing Platform and the term, IVP, will become a recognised business model in the tourism industry in five years.'
Notwithstanding that the Eiffel Tower, possibly the most successful IVP in the world was built in the 19th century, Mr Melchers said the business concept had only recently taken root in the tourism industry.
"The London Eye is another good example, as is the viewing platform on top of the Empire State Building in New York City. Since time immemorial, mankind has always had a desire to see things from above - that's why we construct ancient forts and cities and now modern buildings."
What the Singapore Flyer will bring to Singapore is "a unique human experience," said Mr Melchers, whose company opened the Carlsberg Sky Tower on Sentosa in February 2004.
"One of the true experiences of the Singapore Flyer is there will be no sensation of movement because the wheel will be turning so gently. You will feel nothing, only a change in perspective. That's a unique human experience."
Costs less than club cover charges and flip-flops are welcome
The Singapore Flyer, which is scheduled to offer its first ride during Lunar New Year 2008, will offer 28 fully air-conditioned capsules, each capable of handling around 32 passengers at a time.
Situated on Marina Bay, close to the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, the Flyer will offer a unique perspective of Singapore, said Mr Melchers. "When you see Singapore from that perspective, you realise it is a city of colour - the green of the parks, the reds and yellows of Chinatown, the shiny-grey of the skyline and the blue of water."
While some might argue the New Asia bar atop Swissotel The Stamford (170m) and the Sky Park at The Marina Bay Sands would offer similar views, Mr Melchers pointed out the Flyer would offer unrestricted 360-degree views of Singapore and the surrounding areas in just 40 minutes and for the price of a ticket.
"We let you in without a cover charge and you can wear flip-flops," he said. "And it will be a different experience from the Sky Park."
