Approximately 50 million locals and foreigners visited Changi Airport’s resplendent mixed-use complex Jewel Changi Airport (Jewel) in the first half of this year, Chief Executive Hung Jean has announced.

The 10-storey, 135,700sq m Jewel was officially opened on Friday (18 October) by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong after opening its doors to the public in April.

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On a site tour the following month, TRBusiness reported that 600,000 people alone paid a trip to Jewel on Good Friday in Singapore (19 April) and Jewel continues to handle around 300,000 per day.

NEW WALKING TOUR

Coinciding with the official was the unveiling of a new light show at the centrally located 40-metre high HSBC Rain Vortex, one of Jewel’s crowning features.

In addition, a new two-and-a-half-hour walking tour in association with the Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore Airlines has been introduced.

The complimentary tour guides travellers through Jewel’s architecture, F&B offer and other marvels, culminating in free entry to the Jewel Canopy Park.

As reported in January, more than 90% of the net lettable space (53,600sq m) has been leased at Jewel with 14 new stores opening since April, including an Apple duplex shop – the tech firm’s second store in Singapore.

To date, Jewel boasts more than 280 retail and F&B outlets, with shoppers able to benefit from a variety of promotions and initiatives such as Changi Millionaire, Jewel Changi opening specials and the Jewel Double Rewards Programme.

They can also enjoy special events such as the Grand Prix Season Jewel Race Party and Tourist Privilege Programme.

Thirty five airlines serving close to 80% of Changi Airport departing passengers now offer early check-in at the hub. These include the likes of Cathay Pacific, Jetstar Group and Malaysia Airlines.

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND TO COME…

Meanwhile, intermodal travel facilities catering towards fly-cruise and fly-ferry passengers allow transfer options with major operators such as Genting Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International and Bintan Resort Ferries.

“Behind the successful launch are tales of adventures and challenges that we had to overcome, such as the numerous design iterations and complexity of bringing this engineering feat to life in a live airport environment,” said Jean.

“We would like to thank our consultants and partners for staying true to the vision, as well as our tenants for having the conviction to join us in this journey.

“Come end of the year, Jewel will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland as we celebrate our very first Christmas. Immersive experiences, themed decorations, performances and shopping promotions are some of the upcoming features we will reveal. We continue to 3 enhance our offerings so that every guest, whether a first-time or repeat visitor, will be constantly surprised and delighted.”

Jewel has been developed by Jewel Changi Airport Trustee Pte Ltd, a joint venture between Changi Airport Group and CapitaLand.