On the 1st of March the world's biggest observation wheel began to spin in Singapore . At 165 metres or 42-storey high, the Singapore Flyer is 30 metres higher than Britain's London Eye.
The wheel was open in February when the presentation ceremony took place. The attraction's first three nights were sold out immediately. Companies and individuals paid S$8,888, an auspicious number in Chinese culture, for the first rides.In February a whole series of private events took place every each day. Groups of between 600 and 1,000 people were expected at the initial private events.
The Singapore Flyer features fixed "capsules". The 28 capsules -- about the size of a city bus -- are air-conditioned and can hold up to 28 people. Passengers can walk around and will not feel movement or vibration during the 30-minute ride, the company said.
One can put over 1,000 people an hour on the wheel. For S$29.50, walk-in passengers will get a 360-degree view of up to 45 kilometres across the island republic and into neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia on the 30-minute ride, the developers said.
Higher-priced tickets include food and drinks.
Singapore-based company, Great Wheel Corp, is also building wheels in Beijing and Berlin which will edge out the Singapore Flyer as the world's biggest when they begin turning in about two years, he said. The London Eye, which opened at the turn of the century, was the first of the new generation wheels.
Singapore's wheel is located across from the Marina Bay Sands casino complex, set to open in 2009, and is near the pit area of a Formula One Grand Prix street race to be held for the first time in the city-state in September. Lacking natural attractions, the wealthy island nation has embarked on a major campaign to spruce up its tourist appeal.
A record 10.3 million visitors came to Singapore last year, an increase of 5.4 percent over 2006, the Singapore Tourism Board said. By 2015, the country aims to draw 17 million visitors and to earn S$30 billion in tourism revenues.
The Singapore Flyer project, worth about S$240 million, is a private venture backed mainly by German investors.
The Singapore Flyer is being marketed as a venue for activities ranging from business meetings to weddings. Packages for Valentine's Day are also being offered. Though a majority of revenue is expected to come from corporate clients and travel agents, the Flyer's marketing agent said 20 percent will be reserved for walk-in customers.