SINGAPORE: Unlike past plans to reimagine Sentosa, the new vision outlined under the Greater Sentosa Master Plan focuses on introducing distinctive experiences instead of launching individual tourist attractions, several tourism experts said.

Noting that this shift reflects planners' desire to encourage foreign and local visitors to spend more time on the island, analysts told CNA that such a move is in line with global travel patterns. 

Their comments follow an announcement on Friday (Jul 3) that Sentosa will introduce nature-focused experiences, such as islet hopping and forest canopy dining, as part of the next chapter of the Greater Sentosa Master Plan over the next 20 years.

The Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) also announced that a new tram system will replace the existing Sentosa Express monorail, and new landmarks will be built, including Sensorium – an indoor attractions and multipurpose venue.

When the two-decade Greater Sentosa Master Plan is completed, around 32 million visitors are expected to visit each year, SDC said.

Temasek Polytechnic (TP) senior lecturer Benjamin Cassim said activities like islet hopping and canopy dining are part of a broader strategy to offer a more diverse and distinctive experience to visitors.

“Rather than being standalone attractions, they complement Sentosa's existing mix of leisure, lifestyle and entertainment offerings, giving visitors more reasons to stay longer, explore different parts of the destination and return for new experiences,” said Mr Cassim, who is from TP’s business school.

Destinations need to offer authentic, memorable and difficult-to-replicate experiences, and nature-based experiences leverage Sentosa’s island setting and natural assets in ways that are distinctive within Singapore, he said.

“Together with the wider suite of attractions across Greater Sentosa, these experiences contribute to a richer and more well-rounded destination that caters to diverse visitor interests,” said Mr Cassim.

Around the world, successful destinations are moving beyond simply building attractions, added Mr