Singapore. Photo: Shutterstock The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) notes that Singapore is on track to break its all-time record for international arrivals this year, surpassing even other major destinations in Southeast Asia like Thailand and the Philippines.
According to the latest forecast, international arrivals in Singapore are expected to reach nearly 16 million by 2025, 9.6% above pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
India is contributing a large tourist influx to Singapore, with arrivals expected to jump from just over 1.11 million in 2019 to 1.25 million in 2025, the highest ever.
Despite a slow recovery in outbound tourism from China, a record number of Chinese visitors is expected to arrive in Singapore this year, nearly 2.8 million.
Incidentally, international arrivals to Thailand are also set to break all records this year with a growth of 5%, while the Philippines will trail only slightly behind its previous 2019 record.
WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson stated that "Singapore is setting the pace for global tourism growth, breaking records and outpacing its regional competitors. With the expected influx of visitors from India and the return of Chinese travelers, the city-state's tourism engine is running at full throttle."
This is not just a comeback. It's a transformation. Singapore leads in innovation and sustainability, and its travel and tourism sector is poised to be stronger than ever, driving jobs, growth, and economic prosperity for years to come."
Singapore has experienced an impressive tourism boom in recent years. This small city-state has become popular due to its unique blend of innovation, rich culture, and spectacular attractions.
In 2024, the travel and tourism sector injected more than $66 billion into Singapore's economy, nearly 10% of GDP, and supported a record 570,000 jobs.