Singapore's 42-storey-high Ferris wheel
© AFP/File Roslan Rahman SINGAPORE (AFP) - "Prior to June 2008, Singapore's tourism sector had achieved 51 consecutive months of year-on-year growth" in visitor arrivals, the board said in a statement late Friday.
June's decline followed an increase of 0.8 percent in April and May as the economic climate worsened, the board said.
The figures compare with the same months last year.
Overall visitor arrivals during the first six months of this year totalled 5.1 million, a 2.9 percent increase over the first half of 2007, it said.
But tourism receipts fell 0.2 percent year-on-year in the January to June period, to an estimated 6.5 billion Singapore dollars (4.7 billion US).
The January to June arrival numbers were the highest ever recorded for that period and represent 47 percent of this year's target of 10.8 million visitors, the tourism board said.
Singapore's long-term target is to attract 17 million visitors generating 30 billion Singapore dollars in receipts by 2015.
The tourism board blamed the weaker numbers on a slowing global economy, higher air travel costs and fuel prices, as well as foreign exchange rates.
"This slowdown in the tourism sector's growth may potentially continue into the next few months," said Lim Neo Chian, chief executive and deputy chairman of the Singapore Tourism Board.
But the board said it remains optimistic for the mid to long term when more attractions and facilities open.
The tiny but affluent city-state is building two casino and entertainment resorts, expected to open by 2010, and will host the world's first Formula One Grand Prix night auto race this September.
©AFP