Record Tourist Arrivals from China
In the third quarter of this year, Singapore experienced a significant influx of tourists, welcoming 1.83 million visitors from China. This surge has positioned China as the leading source of tourists to Singapore for this period, surpassing Indonesia, which previously held the top spot.
Indonesia’s Position Declines
Indonesia fell to second place with 547,000 arrivals, according to the latest statistics from the Singapore Tourism Board. This shift marks a notable change in Singapore’s tourism landscape, with further contributions from Australia, Malaysia, and India rounding out the top five countries sending tourists to the island nation.
Overall Tourism Growth in Singapore
Overall, Singapore has recorded an impressive total of 12.59 million foreign arrivals this year, reflecting a 24% increase from the previous year. In comparison, other Southeast Asian nations, such as Thailand and Vietnam, reported even higher visitor numbers, with Thailand welcoming nearly 27 million tourists in the first nine months of the year, representing a 30% rise year-on-year.
As travel restrictions have eased, especially since February 9, when Singapore and China lifted visa requirements for short stays, the connectivity between Singapore and China has further strengthened. Changi Airport is now directly linked to 31 Chinese cities, operating more than 430 flights weekly, thus enabling seamless travel options.
Looking ahead, Singapore is gearing up for even more robust tourist numbers, with projections of attracting 15 to 16 million international visitors in 2024, expected to generate significant revenue in the range of S$26 billion to S$27.5 billion (approximately US$19-21 billion).
