Despite global headwinds, Singapore in 2019 saw growths in both visitor arrivals and tourism receipts for a fourth consecutive year.
Visitor arrivals in Singapore rose 3.3 per cent in 2019 to reach 19.1 million visitors. A total of SGD 27.1 billion was spent in tourism receipts, a growth of 0.5 per cent.
However, there were declines in Accommodation (-7 per cent), Food & Beverages (-5 per cent) and Sightseeing, Entertainment & Gaming (-2 per cent). These were partially offset by growths in Shopping (3 per cent) as well as other tourism receipt components (4 per cent).
Airfare revenue rose on the back of more visitor arrivals via local-based carriers, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said in a statement.
In 2019, 11 out of Singapore’s top 15 source markets registered VA growth in 2019. Nine markets – China, Indonesia, Australia, Philippines, USA, South Korea, UK, Vietnam and Germany – hit record-high arrivals.
Meanwhile, China (+6 per cent), USA (+13 per cent) and Indonesia (+3 per cent) saw the largest absolute growths in visitor arrivals in 2019.
Indonesia led the growth in tourism receipts, with leisure visitors from Indonesia spending more on shopping and an increased number of visitors arriving via Singapore-based carriers.
STB added that as the Novel Coronavirus situation is expected to persist, and it will continue to identify targeted and effective ways to support the tourism industry and tourism employees.
“It is more important than ever to invest in tourism to support our businesses, build confidence in tourism, and boost our destination attractiveness – so that when things start to improve, Singapore can ride on the recovery for strong growth," said STB chief executive Keith Tan. "STB remains committed to our mid- to long-term tourism plans, to ensure that Singapore has a steady pipeline of new and repeat visitors."
