UNDERWATER WORLD SINGAPORE Underwater World Singapore (‘UWS’) suffered the effects of the global financial downturn and registered a year-on-year decline in visitor arrivals. Revenue fell by a smaller margin cushioned by yield management and higher turnover of in-house activities. On the product development front, UWS continued to bring forth exciting interactive exhibits and educational programmes. Visitors were offered the opportunity to interact with the resident Sea Cow in an exclusive meet-and-greet session to herald the Lunar New Year of the Cow and to celebrate its birthday. The Schooling School launched in April 2009 was the first educational programme to use a professional deep sea marine communication system for school teachers to conduct lessons on marine life for students while submerged in water. In June 2009, UWS unveiled its newest crustacean exhibit – “Critters of the Deep”. Visitors were greeted by hair-raising 14-legged Isopods in a specially constructed dome-shaped tank with a connecting children’s crawling tunnel.

In November 2009, UWS launched the first Sharks Nursery in Singapore to showcase UWS’ successful breeding efforts in 5 different shark species. Through the unique “Feed the Sharks” experience and the interpretive graphic panels on Shark Biology and Evolution, visitors acquire a holistic understanding and appreciation of shark biodiversity.

The new Dolphin Lagoon was opened to the public in November 2009. Equipped with the state-of-the-art water filtration system and facilities, it houses the Indopacific pink dolphins relocated from the old Dolphin Lagoon at Tanjong Beach and the newly acquired fur seals. A grandstand with 800 seats allows visitors to view the dolphins in crystal clear water. An elevated air-conditioned VIP gallery opposite the grandstand offers a panoramic view of the display pool and doubles as a unique venue for meetings, dining and corporate functions.

As part of the new Dolphin Lagoon development, a new gift shop was built and opened in June 2009. The gift shop not only serves as a transition space between the indoor aquarium and the outdoor new Dolphin Lagoon but also provides a larger retail space to improve the shopping experience of visitors.

The opening of the two Integrated Resorts in 2010 is likely to attract higher tourist arrivals to Singapore. However, uncertainty in the global economic recovery and competition from existing and new attractions continue to pose challenges to UWS’s business. To mitigate such risks, UWS will work closely with the inbound travel agents to offer competitive and value-added packages to tourists.

UNDERWATER WORLD PATTAYA

Underwater World Pattaya (‘UWP’) posted a decline in visitorship in 2009 against 2008. The weak Thai economy, fears of H1N1 Influenza and competition from other attractions within the country were contributing factors.

Despite the circumstances, UWP continued to entice visitors by offering a variety of unique activities and attractive promotions. The Magic-T or Mystical Anti-Gravity Interactive Concept Tank, first of its kind in Thailand, was launched in April 2009. The tank allowed visitors to feed fishes through openings in the middle of a water-filled glass tank without having water gushing out of the openings. Visitors were invited to celebrate various festivals in innovative ways with UWP. Foam parties were held to celebrate Songkran, Thailand’s New Year. UWP held the 1st Graffiti Competition in August 2009 to engage visitors and foster a desire in them to protect marine life. To commemorate UWP’s 6th Anniversary, the 1st Carp Competition in Pattaya was launched in September 2009. UWP divers donned Santa Claus suits during feeding shows to create a festive mood for Christmas.

UWP will continue to face challenges from the local uncertainties in Thailand and competition from within the country. To improve visitors’ experience, the general appearance of the oceanarium has been enhanced and the life support system has been upgraded to improve water quality. UWP will continue with intensive marketing efforts targeting foreign markets while focusing local marketing efforts on tour groups.

CHENGDU Oceanarium

Chengdu Oceanarium was opened to the public on 21 July 2009. It features the largest acrylic view window in Western China measuring 11m x 9m and comprises seven thematic zones namely Amazon Tropical Rainforest zone, Freshwater zone, Jellyfish zone, Mangrove Forest zone, Coral Reef zone, Ocean Theatre and Children’s zone. The feeding of sharks and rays by divers viewed from the acrylic view window at the Ocean Theatre is the highlight of a visit to the Oceanarium.

To improve visitor attendance as well as to publicise the location of the Oceanarium, a variety of activities was organised such as the Mermaid Performances at the Ocean Theatre and an Underwater Wedding. The newest exhibit unveiled at the Oceanarium was the display of the Chinese giant salamander. It is the largest salamander species in the world.

Chengdu Oceanarium will continue to face challenges from competition and local market conditions. To meet the challenges, marketing efforts and promotion strategies are being strengthened to attract visitors.