SINGAPORE - The tourism sector has taken a hit from the haze, with the Singapore Flyer and DUCKtours announcing they would suspend operations until conditions improve, after the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reached a record high of 371 at 1pm on Thursday.
Other outdoor attractions saw slight dips in visitor numbers, while tour operators leading inbound groups to Singapore have had to adjust itineraries to carry out more activities indoors, although they have yet to receive cancellations.
Livelihoods of small-time vendors, such as trishaw drivers plying the streets, are also suffering a blow from the poor air quality.
The Singapore Flyer, which was placed into receivership last month, said it was closing to protect its employees, many of whom work outdoors.
"We will reassess the situation (this) morning and the Flyer will reopen as soon as pollution levels drop to a safe level," said Mr Tim Reid of Ferrier Hodgson, the Flyer's appointed receivers and managers.
Tenants at the Singapore Flyer TODAY spoke to said there has been a dip in their business since the start of this week.
A tenant who declined to be named said there has been an 80 per cent decrease in his business since Tuesday, adding that he would close his shop about two hours earlier.
Another tenant said his restaurant, which would usually be "half-filled" with customers at dinner time, was empty on Thursday.
"(We) may look into shortening (our) business (operating hours) if the Flyer is still not opened," he added.
DUCKtours - run by DUCK & HiPPO - were also cancelled in the afternoon on Thursday after the PSI exceeded 300.
"We called guests who made reservations and informed them of the cancellation due to hazardous weather. For pre-paid guests who are leaving Singapore and not able to reschedule, we arranged for a refund," said DUCK & HiPPO Deputy Director Pamela Wee.
She said they will monitor the haze and will cancel DUCKtours if it "reaches the point where it makes the touring un-enjoyable or uncomfortable".
Singapore River Cruise General Manager See Toh Yew Leong said that, although business was "a bit affected", operations are carrying on as usual. However, on Wednesday, it ended operations an hour earlier after the PSI hit 321.
Resorts World Sentosa reported "fewer visitors" to the Adventure Cove Waterpark.
A spokesperson said it has "tweaked the format" of its outdoor shows and entertainment at Universal Studios Singapore and will "exercise flexibility in deploying team members for outdoor duties".
Wildlife Reserves Singapore did not comment on Thursday but said in a statement the day before that it had seen a slight dip in visitor numbers to its four attractions - before the PSI soared over 300 - and it was keeping a close watch on its animals.
Inbound tourists appeared to be unfazed by the haze, with most tour agencies contacted by TODAY saying they have not received cancellations.
But CTC Travel's Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations Alicia Seah said she expected cancellations if the situation worsens and that bookings and enquiries will drop by about 20 per cent in the next two weeks.
For now, the agency has "change(d) the tour itineraries appropriately and with consent from customers". For example, instead of outdoor walks at Chinatown, Little India and Merlion Park, customers are brought to indoor shopping malls or museums. Guides and customers were also given masks.
Ms Michelle Yin, Marketing Communications Manager at Chan Brothers Travel, said the company is monitoring the situation. "(We) will make necessary recommendations to (customers) to switch to more indoor activities should the haze prolong till then," she said, adding that no cancellations have been made.
A trishaw driver who only wanted to be known as Henry said he had not got any business since Monday. He usually earns S$10 to S$20 per trip, making about five trips a day.
"I don't have any more money to buy food at this rate. I can only afford a bowl of tau huay (beancurd)," he said.
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