BANGKOK - SINGAPORE'S tourism sector set new records last year, with visitor arrivals and tourist receipts exceeding targets.

It generated $13.8 billion in tourism receipts, surpassing the target of $13.6 billion, with a growth of 11.3 per cent over 2006.

Singapore also welcomed 10.3 million tourists last year, above the target of 10.2 million, posting an increase of 5.4 per cent over 2006. Total visitor days grew 13.4 per cent to reach 38 million days in 2007.

Hailing 2007 as a 'spectacular year' for the tourist industry here, Singapore Tourism Board chief Lim Neo Chian said this was the fourth successive year of growth for the sector,.

Speaking on the sidelines of the annual Asean tourism forum in Bangkok on Wednesday, Mr Lim attributed the strong performance to the economic boom in key markets, as well as the growth of low cost carriers in the region which has led to more affordable air travel and greater accessibility to Singapore.

The five top markets in 2007 were Indonesia, China, Australia, India and Malaysia, which accounted for about 51 per cent of total visitor arrivals.

Singapore hotels have most to cheer about, with occupancy rate hitting new highs of 87 per cent and average room rates for the year peaking at S$202 - up 23.1 over a year ago. Total room revenue reached an all-time high of $1.8 billion, an increase of 22.8 per cent over 2006.

In December alone, Singapore welcomed 947,000 visitors, an increase of 4.8 per cent over December 2006. This sets a new record for the month of December.

Going forward, Mr Lim said 2008 is set to be an even more exciting year with the world's first Formula 1 Grand Prix race, Singapore airshow and the Singapore Flyer taking off.