Singapore achieved a record number of tourists in 2024, welcoming 16.5 million visitors – 21% more than in 2023, the country’s tourism board has revealed.
“In 2024, Singapore’s tourism sector posted a strong performance, an affirmation of the industry’s efforts in refreshing our products and experiences, as well as embarking on new collaborations this past year. Collectively, these efforts elevated Singapore’s destination appeal and strengthened the sector’s capabilities and competitiveness,” said Melissa Ow, CEO of Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
Top markets for visitor arrivals were Mainland China (3.08 million), Indonesia (2.49 million) and India (1.20 million). Other markets that exhibited healthy year-on-year growth included Japan, Taiwan, the UK and the USA, representing a good mix of short, mid and long-haul markets.
Contributing factors included the 30-day mutual visa exemption with Mainland China and Singapore’s strong growth in air connectivity. In 2024, Changi Airport had a total international seat capacity of over 41 million, representing a 15% increase compared to 2023 and 98% recovery to 2019.
Other key factors that contributed to the overall growth in visitor arrivals include Singapore’s robust year-round calendar of lifestyle events and concerts, which has enhanced the city-state’s appeal as a premier tourist destination. Family-friendly attractions at precincts such as Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa and Mandai Wildlife Reserve, including the Bird Paradise, along with key leisure events like the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024 and Singapore Art Week, were also instrumental in boosting visitor arrivals and spending across the tourism sector and related industries.
Visitors also spent a record amount of money, with tourism receipts reaching S$22.4 billion (€16 billion) between January and September 2024, an increase of 10% compared to the same period in 2023. Mainland China, Indonesia and Australia emerged as the top tourism receipts generating markets, contributing S$3.58 billion, S$2.13 billion and S$1.44 billion respectively.
All spend categories have shown year-on-year growth, led by Sightseeing, Entertainment & Gaming (SEG) at 25%, followed by Accommodation at 17%. Meanwhile, Food & Beverage (F&B) and Shopping saw a 6% and 5% increase respectively, with other categories such as airfares and business spending contributing to TR as well.
In addition, Singapore’s hotel industry also saw positive growth in 2024, with Average Room Rate (ARR) and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) increasing year-on-year, reaching S$276 (1.4% increase compared to 2023 ARR) and S$226 (3.0% increase compared to 2023 RevPAR) respectively. Average Occupancy Rate (AOR) was 81.8% in 2024, a 1.3% point increase compared to 80.5% in 2023. There was an addition of 1,421 new hotel keys, including notable openings such as The Standard Singapore, Into the Woods and Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre.
