Singapore aims to attract visitors with nightlife

Singapore is hoping to become less of a stop-off for shoppers and more of a fully fledged tourist haven.

The Singapore Tourism Board is aiming to bring its tourist visitation levels up to 17 million by 2019, following a 5.2 per cent growth from 2006 to 2007.

A spokesman for the board said that Singapore offers "unique tastes" for all those come to visit.

As a mark of its growing popularity, Lion City, which has seen a recent upsurge in clubs, bars and restaurants, came second in a global nightlife survey, according to reports.

Singapore is already popular for its shopping and nightlife, boasting big name clubs such as the Ministry of Sound and Café del Mar as well as more exiting clubbing venues all over the country.

In a sign of its growing popularity, Singapore has recently been given the opportunity to play host to a new reality TV show entitled "The Contender: Asia".

The Singapore Motorsports Council has also recently given "in principle" approval to the proposed Singapore grand prix street circuit, which is likely to add to Singapore's charm.