Singapore welcomed 16.5 million international visitors in 2024, a 21% increase from the previous year, according to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The surge also drove tourism receipts to S$22.4 billion (US$16.4 billion) from January to September 2024, setting a new record in visitor spending.
The rise in visitor numbers and spending was attributed to several developments. The visa exemption for China, introduced in February 2024, significantly boosted Chinese tourist arrivals. Improved air connectivity saw Changi Airport report a 15% increase in international seat capacity, recovering to 98% of pre-pandemic levels.
Additionally, Singapore’s year-round calendar of events, spanning high-profile events, such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix and concerts by global stars like Taylor Swift, as well as a series of business events and large-scale trade shows, contributed to the increase in visitor numbers.
“Singapore’s tourism sector posted a strong performance, an affirmation of the industry’s efforts in refreshing our products and experiences,” said Melissa Ow, chief executive of STB.
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Top source markets (Jan–Dec 2024)
Singapore’s largest source markets remained within 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
US: 692,000
South Korea: 595,000
UK: 580,000
Japan: 573,000
Record tourism receipts and spending trends
Tourism receipts from January to September 2024 rose to S$22.4 billion (US$16.4 billion), a 10% increase year-on-year. China led spending at S$3.58 billion, followed by Indonesia (S$2.13 billion) and Australia (S$1.44 billion) respectively (excluding sightseeing, entertainment and gaming).
Across categories, sightseeing, entertainment & gaming (SEG) saw the most growth at 25%, followed by accommodation (+17%), food & beverage (+6%), and shopping (+5%). Other categories such as airfares and business spending also contributed to tourism expenditure.
Singapore's hotel industry also demonstrated positive growth in 2024, with average room rate (ARR) increasing 1.4% year-on-year to reach S$276, revenue per available room (RevPAR) growing 3% to S$226, and the average occupancy rate (AOR) climbing to 81.8% in 2024, a 1.3% point increase compared to 80.5% in 2023.
The sector added 1,421 new hotel keys, with notable openings like The Standard Singapore and Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre.
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New attractions and cruise industry highlights
In 2024, several new attractions elevated Singapore’s appeal, 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; and Night Safari’s fully sheltered Pangolin Trail and Giants of Asia exhibit.
The cruise sector also flourished, with 1.8 million passengers from 340 ship calls. Maiden calls included Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas and Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova. Several cruise lines, including Resorts World Cruises, committed to longer-term homeporting in Singapore with its newest ship Star Scorpio.
Positive outlook for 2025
STB projects 17.0 to 18.5 million visitor arrivals in 2025, with tourism receipts expected to reach S$29.0 to S$30.5 billion. The growth outlook remains positive, driven by continued air connectivity expansion, new attractions, and a strong pipeline of leisure and business events.