From The Straits Times    |

Universal Studios Singapore is tapping into one of cinema history’s most successful franchises for its next big attraction as it continues to stake its claim as one of the city’s — and Asia’s — premier attractions.

The world’s first Transformers The Ride will be unveiled at Universal Studios Singapore from December 3 and will feature “12 scenes, comprising sets blended seamlessly with hyper-realistic 3-D digital media and special effects to bring tactile realism to every moment,” according to the theme park’s management.

Singapore gets world’s first 'Transformers' ride

The Transformers movie series has so far picked up an estimated US$3 billion (2.1 billion euros) globally from three episodes and the ride will join the other major attractions at the theme park, including Battlestar Galactica dual roller coasters.

Universal Studios Singapore is part of the city’s Resorts World Sentosa complex, which has attracted more than 15 million visitors since opening in January 2010. The complex also features a casino, four hotels and an expansive retail area.

“I am very excited about the debut of this attraction at Universal Studios Singapore,” Transformers film director Michael Bay said in statement. “Finally, Transformers fans will not only have the chance to watch the Autobots battle the Deceptions on screen; they’ll actually be part of the action. “

In the coming weeks, competitions and sneak previews will be posted on the attraction’s official blog — http://tftheride.rwsentosablog.com.

The development of Resorts World Sentosa has been one of Singapore’s great recent success stories as the city looks to establish itself as one of Asia’s top destinations.

The city is this year on target to break all tourism records thanks to the influx of people heading to both RWS and to the Marina Bay Sands resort, which also boasts a casino and extensive entertainment facilities.

International visitor arrivals into the city for the second quarter of 2011 were 3.2 million, according to the Singapore Tourism Board, which represents 14 percent year-on-year growth.

The STB last week announced that tourists spent an estimated S$5 billion (2.9 billion euros) in the city in the second quarter of 2011, a rise of 18 percent, year on year. Leading the way were Indonesians (S$677 million or 382 million euros), followed by Chinese (S$447 million or 256 million euros) and Indians (S$305 million or 174 million euros).

Last year Singapore played host to a record 11.6 million visitors, as it tries to pose a challenge to the likes of the Chinese cities of Hong Kong (36 million) and Macau (25 million). — AFP RELAXNEWS

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