Dear valued clients & friends,
Ready, set, go! That’s right folks; it’s the start of a brand new year! Following close on the heels of a great 2007 (Year of the Golden Pig), 2008 looks set to be everything that the Year of the Rat promises- a true to life rat race.
Armed with crisp new shirts and suits, filofaxes reloaded with fresh pages, and filled with the highest hopes and aspirations, garrison HQ staff and mobile road warriors alike, are already on the hunt for what the New Year has to offer. In spite of a number of lingering concerns i.e., higher costs of living, a creeping rate of inflation, and the probable effects of the “when-rather-than-if” sub-prime meltdown in America, there is certainly a buzz about town.
From the inaugural opening of the Changi Air Show (February), to the launch of the Singapore Flyer (March), and the flag-off of the world’s first Formula-One night race (September ), our island home is set to hold centre stage for a host of exciting and memorable events this year. Other significant events that will dot and pepper your calendar will be the return of Food and Hotel Asia, CommunicAsia, OSEA 2008 to name but a few.
T3’s opening on 9 th January provides the backdrop to an exciting year ahead with a significantly higher forecast in visitor arrivals than previous years. Prepare to be dazzled by the magnificent new layout and all the bling-bling that one would expect from a spanking new world-class terminal. For years, we have been conditioned to go to either T1 or T2 for departure and arrival of our preferred carriers; I am willing to bet many of us have even done it in our sleep.
However, the introduction of T3 will complicate matters to some degree and challenge our “age-old” habits, particularly for our die-hard SQ fans. From now on, travelers will have to examine their itineraries more closely before they leave for Changi airport. And greeting parties will need to check online or on TV for the arrival gates and terminals no more than 2 hours before the scheduled time of arrival (STA). Sigh, no more head long drives to the airport for us…sigh.
Finally, If 2007 was an accurate reflection of the need for travel in general, 2008 will be crunch time all year round for hotel rooms and airline seats! The slight increases in hotel room and airline seat capacity will not be nearly enough to meet expected demand. Be sure to make your bookings well in advance of travel dates to avoid disappointment!
From all of us here at Global Travel, I wish you a flying start to the New Year, and see you at the finish line!
Godspeed,
Charles Tan |
