SINGAPORE: Universal Studio Singapore, the second universal theme park in Asia after Osaka Japan, was thrown open officially to visitors on Saturday morning making it another big attraction of Resort World Sentosa.
The opening ceremony of the park was marked by presence of American Idol host fame, singer Paula Abdul, Hollywood actor Jet Li, Maggie Cheung and Vicki Zhao Wei. Paula Abdul became the star attraction after Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger opted out as he was embroiled in a love child controversy. Although sources maintain that the studio cancelled his invitation after the scandal.
Even before its official opening, Universal Studio Movie Theme Park has attracted about 2 million visitors already. Chairman of Resorts World Sentosa Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said, "This year Universal Studio aims at doubling the visitors with a promise to keep refreshing the theme park from time to time. We will soon be adding Transformers ride.''
The theme park of about 20 hectares has 21 rides and shows, including the world's first Madagascar-themed ride as well as the Battlestar Galactica duelling coasters. Other attractions include Jurassic Park, Shrek and the Mummy.
Universal Resorts and Parks has plans to build theme parks in Seoul, South Korea and Dubai but India and China don't feature on the list.
However Indian film studios are aspiring to build their own theme parks on the lines of the Universal Studios especially Film City Mumbai for which they have been in consultation with the studio. Tom Williams, CEO of Universal Theme Park said, "Discussions are on, but it will be a while before India is ready for a theme park. It is imminent though.
Universal Studios brings the magic of its movies to Singapore with a star-studded launch
Amidst the confetti, music and celebrations, Marilyn Monroe, dressed in the infamous white dress from The Seven-Year Itch, walked in. But she wasn't the most popular 'star' at the parade to mark the official launch of Universal Studios on Sentosa Island, Singapore on Saturday morning. Madagascar's Marty, Alex, Gloria, followed by Po of Kung Fu Panda and Shrek, were welcomed with louder applause as they waved, did a jig and blew kisses to the audience.
Speaking at the opening of Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa here today, he said the number of visitors to Sentosa grew by almost 200 per cent to 18 million guests last year from about six million guests in 2009.
In particular, Lim said Universal Studios Singapore has been a key addition to Sentosa, drawing many local and international visitors to the island.
"New attractions are constantly being developed while existing iconic attractions are regularly rejuvenated to ensure that the island continues to appeal to visitors," he said, adding that this was the government's strategy to keep Singapore's tourism landscape at the forefront of tourist destinations in Asia and the world.
In the coming years, he said, "We will continue to enhance Singapore's tourism landscape with a strong pipeline of developments like Gardens by the Bay, River Safari, the International Cruise Terminal and the National Art Gallery.
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