Singapore experienced a remarkable surge in tourism in 2024, welcoming 16.5 million international visitors—an impressive 21% increase from the previous year. This rise in arrivals also drove tourism spending to new heights, with receipts reaching S$22.4 billion (US$16.4 billion) from January to September 2024, establishing a fresh benchmark in visitor expenditure.

Factors Driving Growth

Multiple elements contributed to this strong performance. The introduction of a visa exemption for Chinese travelers in early 2024 significantly boosted visitor numbers from China. Improved air connectivity further supported growth, with Changi Airport reporting a 15% increase in international seat capacity, restoring levels to 98% of pre-pandemic figures.

Singapore’s vibrant lineup of events also played a crucial role. The city hosted a variety of major sporting events, international concerts, business conferences, and large-scale trade exhibitions, drawing visitors from across the globe.

Top Source Markets

The majority of Singapore’s visitors in 2024 came from Asia, with China, Indonesia, and India leading the way:

  • China: 3.08 million
  • Indonesia: 2.49 million
  • India: 1.20 million
  • Malaysia: 1.19 million
  • Australia: 1.17 million
  • Philippines: 779,000
  • United States: 692,000
  • South Korea: 595,000
  • United Kingdom: 580,000
  • Japan: 573,000

Record-Breaking Tourism Expenditure

Tourism receipts from January to September 2024 recorded a 10% year-on-year increase. Chinese tourists led in spending, contributing S$3.58 billion, followed by visitors from Indonesia (S$2.13 billion) and Australia (S$1.44 billion). Sightseeing, entertainment, and gaming saw the highest growth at 25%, while accommodation spending rose by 17%, food and beverage by 6%, and shopping by 5%.

Growth in the Hospitality Industry

Singapore’s hotel sector also witnessed significant expansion in 2024, reflected in key metrics:

  • Average Room Rate (ARR): Increased by 1.4% to S$276
  • Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR): Grew by 3% to S$226
  • Average Occupancy Rate (AOR): Climbed to 81.8%, up from 80.5% in 2023

The hotel landscape expanded with 1,421 additional rooms, with noteworthy openings such as The Standard Singapore and Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre.

New Attractions and Cruise Sector Growth

Singapore enhanced its tourism appeal with new attractions in 2024, including:

  • Harry Potter: Visions of Magic at Resorts World Sentosa
  • The World of Studio Ghibli at Marina Bay Sands’ ArtScience Museum
  • Sentosa Sensoryscape, a multi-sensory experience
  • Night Safari’s Pangolin Trail and Giants of Asia exhibit, adding new wildlife encounters

The cruise sector also thrived, with 1.8 million passengers arriving from 340 ship calls. New cruise entrants included Anthem of the Seas and Silver Nova, while several cruise operators confirmed long-term homeporting in Singapore.

Positive Projections for 2025

Singapore’s tourism outlook for 2025 remains strong, with visitor arrivals forecasted to reach between 17.0 and 18.5 million. Tourism receipts are expected to climb further, ranging from S$29.0 to S$30.5 billion. Continued advancements in air connectivity, newly developed attractions, and a robust schedule of leisure and business events will sustain Singapore’s standing as a premier global destination.

The post Singapore Sets New Tourism Records with Surging Arrivals from China, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines, the United States, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Japan in 2024 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.