Singapore - Operators of the world's tallest observation wheel have feng shui experts to thank for pointing out that the Singapore Flyer was turning the wrong way, accounting for fewer than expected passengers, they said on Saturday.

"There have definitely been more passengers since Monday" when the 30-minute ride in 28 air-conditioned capsules started spinning in a new direction after geomancers noted its original path was taking fortune away from Singapore, said Mike Chew, one of the flight planners.

The 165-metre attraction, 30 metres higher than the London Eye, started operating in April with the wheel rising to face the city-state's financial centre and descending with a view of the sea and eastern part of Singapore.

After an initial flurry of excitement, visitors started dwindling. They were keen on weekends, but scarce during weekdays. Shops surrounding the complex complained they were losing money as people headed straight to the ride.

Masters of the ancient Chinese practice of arranging elements of the environment to promote fortune convinced Florian Bollen, the attraction's chairman, to reconfigure the wheel so that it turned the opposite way.

Since the Flyer's about-face started on Monday, Chew said the flow of visitors and Singaporeans has been on the increase.

Run by Great Wheel Corporation, the new experience starts with a view of beaches and housing blocks in the east and ends with the panorama of the business district.

Singaporeans take feng shui very seriously, experts note. Even Western businesses consult geomancers in the city-state before erecting a building to make sure of an auspicious direction.

"The Flyer was going against the sun and taking fortune away from Singapore," The Straits Times quoted Bollen as saying. The cost of reconfiguration was not divulged except that it was a six-figure sum.

With its new direction, operators are aiming for 2.5 million riders this year. The attraction sold its 1 millionth ticket a week ago. (dpa)