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Remarkable Growth in Visitor Arrivals
International visitor arrivals (IVA) surged by 21% compared to 2023, reaching an impressive 16.5 million. This surge demonstrates the city-state’s unwavering appeal to travelers worldwide. Australia and New Zealand, in particular, saw record-breaking visitor arrivals, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Notably, Australia emerged as one of the top three markets for tourism receipts in 2024.
Industry Leaders Applaud the Growth
STB’s Chief Executive, Melissa Ow, emphasized the impact of industry-wide initiatives in enhancing Singapore’s tourism profile. “This strong performance affirms the industry’s continuous efforts in refreshing our products, collaborating on new experiences, and elevating Singapore’s destination appeal,” she stated.
Tourism Receipts and Economic Contribution
Between January and September 2024, Singapore’s tourism receipts soared to SG$22.4 billion, marking a 10% increase from the same period in 2023. Sightseeing, Entertainment & Gaming (SEG) led the growth at 25%, followed by Accommodation (17%), while Food & Beverage (F&B) and Shopping saw increases of 6% and 5%, respectively. The top contributors to tourism receipts were Mainland China (SG$3.58 billion), Indonesia (SG$2.13 billion), and Australia (SG$1.44 billion).
Key Markets Driving Tourism Growth
Mainland China, Indonesia, and India topped visitor arrivals, with Australia ranking fifth, recording a notable 8.2% increase. New Zealand also posted significant growth, with a 13.9% rise in arrivals. Contributing factors to this increase included enhanced air connectivity through Changi Airport, which saw a total international seat capacity of over 41 million in 2024, a 15% increase from 2023.
Events and Attractions Elevate Singapore’s Appeal
Singapore’s vibrant year-round event calendar played a crucial role in its tourism success. Major concerts by international stars such as Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift boosted visitor numbers. Other high-profile events included the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, Singapore Art Week, and pop culture festivals like Anime Festival Asia and Singapore Comic Con.
Additionally, Singapore strengthened its standing in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, hosting major global business events such as SuperAI 2024 and the World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders Summit. Singapore’s ranking in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) jumped to second worldwide, demonstrating its dominance as a premier business hub.
Expanding Attractions and Tourism Experiences
Several new attractions and enhanced experiences debuted in 2024, further enriching the city’s tourism landscape. Highlights included:
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic exhibition at Resorts World Sentosa
The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition at Marina Bay Sands’ ArtScience Museum
Sentosa Sensoryscape, a multi-sensory attraction
The Night Safari’s new Pangolin Trail and expanded wildlife exhibits
Singapore’s cruise industry also thrived, with notable ships such as Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas and Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova making maiden calls. The industry recorded 1.8 million passenger throughput across 340 ship calls.
Futureproofing Tourism through Sustainability and Innovation
Singapore continued its commitment to sustainable tourism with the launch of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) MICE Criteria and the world’s first GSTC Attraction Criteria. The city-state also ranked first in Asia Pacific and seventh globally in the 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Index, a ten-place jump from the previous year.
In technology-driven tourism, Google and STB introduced 30 Augmented Reality (AR) experiences on Google Maps, offering visitors innovative ways to explore Singapore’s attractions and neighborhoods.
2025 and Beyond: Sustaining Growth
Looking ahead, STB forecasts international visitor arrivals to reach between 17.0 to 18.5 million in 2025, with tourism receipts projected at SG$29.0 to SG$30.5 billion. While acknowledging global challenges, STB remains focused on fostering quality tourism growth and expanding Singapore’s market presence.
Reflecting on 2024’s achievements, Melissa Ow remarked, “Tourism has reinforced our economy, enhanced Singapore’s global reputation, and created new lifestyle opportunities for visitors and residents alike.” The STB’s Tourism 2040 roadmap will guide long-term development efforts, ensuring Singapore continues to thrive as a world-class travel destination.
With new attractions, events, and sustainable innovations on the horizon, Singapore is poised to maintain its reputation as a dynamic and must-visit global destination in 2025 and beyond.
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