Singapore is targeting up to two million more visitors this year after recording a 21% annual increase in 2024 to 16.5 million arrivals.
The Singapore Tourism Board expects the number of international inbound travellers in 2025 to reach between 17 million and 18.5 million.
This would bring in between S$29 billion to S$30.5 billion in tourism receipts compared with S$22.4 billion in the first nine months of 2024.
A tourism board statement said: “While acknowledging potential headwinds stemming from geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic challenges, STB remains focused on driving quality tourism growth to defend and extend Singapore’s global position as we continue to develop tourism in the years ahead.”
STB chief executive Melissa Ow said: “As we look back at 2024, as well as our achievements over the last 60 years, tourism has contributed to the economy, reinforcing our international reputation and providing more lifestyle options for visitors and residents.
“Together with our industry partners, STB is committed to sustain our tourism growth, by increasing Singapore’s mind share and market share, maintaining a diversified market portfolio and strengthening destination vibrancy.”
Singapore’s top source markets for visitor arrivals were mainland China (3.08 million), Indonesia (2.49 million) and India (1.20 million).
The UK was among other markets showing year-on-year growth to 580,000, above Japan, but behind Taiwan, the US, Philippines, Australia and Malaysia.
Singapore’s Changi airport hub saw international capacity rise by 15% to 41 million seats last year, representing 98% recovery to pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Developments this year include Disney Cruise Line ship Disney Adventure starting ear-round sailings from Singapore as its home port.
Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection vessel Luminara is also to operate its maiden sailing from Singapore and use the destination as a seasonal home port.