Singapore Tourism Poised for Resilient Recovery: Projections Indicate Return to Pre-COVID Levels by 2024
The Singapore Tourism Board has reported a significant rebound in tourist arrivals in 2022, reaching 6.3 million visitors. Notably, Indonesia emerged as the top contributor with 1.1 million visitors, followed closely by India with 686,000 and Malaysia with 591,000 tourists.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore’s tourism sector is showing resilience and signs of recovery. ANI, the news agency, anticipates that the country’s tourism will fully return to pre-pandemic levels by the year 2024.
In an official statement, the Singapore Tourism Board expressed confidence in the recovery process, stating, “Barring unexpected circumstances, tourism activity is now expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2024.” The statement further added that tourism receipts (TR) are forecasted to range between USD 10.5 to 10.8 billion, representing approximately 50-52% of the pre-pandemic levels achieved in 2019.
The first nine months of 2022 witnessed tourism receipts for Singapore totaling USD 6.8 billion, reaffirming the country’s attractiveness to international visitors. Key markets driving this influx include Indonesia, India, and Australia.
An interesting trend identified by the Singapore Tourism Board is the increase in the length of visitor stays. In 2019, the average stay was 3.36 days, while in the last three quarters of 2022, the average length rose to 4.81 days. Particularly noteworthy is the extended duration of stay by Indian visitors, averaging at an impressive 8.08 days.
Throughout the challenges posed by the pandemic, Singapore has proactively introduced new attractions and experiences to entice foreign visitors. These include the Children’s Museum Singapore, Avatar: The Experience at Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa’s Night Luge, Scentopia, Wings of Time, Central Beach Bazaar, a new gallery at ArtScience Museum’s Future World, “Exploring New Frontiers,” A Minion’s Perspective Experience at Resorts World Sentosa, Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie at Dempsey, and enhancements at the Singapore Night Safari’s new amphitheatre and refreshed Creatures of the Night show.
Looking ahead to 2023, the Singapore Tourism Board has ambitious plans for further enriching the visitor experience. New attractions such as Bird Paradise @ Mandai Wildlife Reserve and innovative experiences like the Trifecta integrated sports facility on Orchard Road are in the pipeline. Additionally, the Board will continue to provide financial support for both business and leisure events over the next two years, ensuring a sustained vibrancy in Singapore’s tourism landscape.
Singapore’s tourism industry is not only on the path to recovery but is also demonstrating adaptability and resilience. The positive trajectory in tourist arrivals, extended length of stays, and strategic initiatives for the future indicate a promising outlook for Singapore’s position as a premier global travel destination.
