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SINGAPORE: Singapore will pump in more than S$300 million (US$223 million) to help its tourism sector continue its post-pandemic recovery amid intensifying global competition, said Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan on Friday (Mar 1). Besides developing new products and experiences, the latest capital injection will also go to rejuvenating existing tourism offerings and upskilling workers, he told parliament during a debate on the ministry’s spending plans for the year.

Being one of the worst-hit industries during the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector has received several rounds of funding to aid its recovery. For example, close to half a billion dollars was set aside in 2022 to support “strategic manpower capabilities” in the sector and offset business costs, among others. In 2021, the Tourism Development Fund – first set up in 2005 to grow tourism receipts, visitor arrivals and jobs – also got a S$68.5 million top-up to provide targeted support for the battered industry. Mr Tan said the fund has introduced a number of new attractions and lifestyle events, such as sports and lifestyle attraction Trifecta in Somerset . More than 100 local tourism businesses also received assistance to become more productive and sustainable over the past two years. “We encourage all our tourism companies to make full use of this top-up to grow your business,” he said.

Singapore's tourism sector saw a strong rebound in 2023, with international visitor arrivals recovering to 13.6 million . This was about 71 per cent of tourist arrivals in 2019, before international travel came to a halt in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism receipts for the first three quarters of 2023 also reached 98 per cent of the same period in 2019. The Singapore government expects this recovery to continue in 2024, with international visitor arrivals to reach between 15 and 16 million visitors while chalking up around S$26 billion to S$27.5 billion in tourism receipts.

The Big Read: Beyond IRs and new attractions, how can Singapore draw more tourists and make them stay longer?

Commentary: visa waiver deal puts singapore in good stead to attract the coveted chinese tourist.

The implementation of a mutual 30-day visa-free travel between China and Singapore brings “more good news”, said Mr Tan. Under the agreement which started on Feb 9, Singaporeans and Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports can enter China or Singapore without a visa for no more than 30 days if they are travelling for business, sightseeing, visiting friends and family, or other private affairs.

Mr Tan said this has made it easier for Chinese visitors to travel to Singapore - a likely boost to arrivals and spending across tourism-related, retail and the food and beverage sectors. The longer visa exemption also makes it more convenient for Singaporeans to travel to China for leisure and business.

Beyond investments, the government is also working with the tourism sector to develop “a pipeline of high quality and first-of-its-kind experiences” that will be launched in the coming years.

These include expansions at the Resorts World Sentosa to develop a Minions-themed zone at Universal Studios Singapore and an oceanarium that is significantly larger than the existing SEA Aquarium.

Sentosa will also get a new attraction called the Sensoryscape. Connecting Resorts World Sentosa and Sentosa’s beaches, the pathway will feature “multi-sensorial gardens” with digital light art displays at night, said Mr Tan. The 30,000 sqm pathway, first announced in 2019, is part of a master plan to transform Sentosa and nearby Pulau Brani into a game-changing leisure and tourism spot in the next two to three decades. The iconic Merlion statue on Sentosa island was closed that year to make way for the new development.

The Sensoryscape will be soft launched this month. Altogether, these new experiences will help to strengthen Singapore’s appeal as a “compelling destination”, Mr Tan said.

Taylor Swift effect: Singapore hotels, airlines see up to 30% spike in regional demand for 6 sell-out shows

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Transforming Singapore towards sustainable tourism and urban living

Sustainable tourism is becoming a bigger concept in singapore, where they are prepared to address traveller needs and reconsider their carbon output.

The travel and tourism sector is one of the largest employers in the world with the number of workers in the sector reported to have reached 289 million (1). In 2021, travel and tourism accounted for 6.1% of the global domestic product (GDP), and amounted to approximately 5.8 trillion U.S. dollars, not quite pre-pandemic levels but experiencing a year-on-year rise (2). As a key contributor to the global economy, the travel sector must work towards more sustainable tourism in the future, if we are to meet the goals set by the 2015 Paris Agreement and the recent targets outlined at COP27.

The opportunity for sustainable tourism and travel

The issues of climate change are well documented and if they do not encourage action, perhaps an economic case could. More businesses are incorporating sustainability in product development to make it meaningful for their bottom lines in the long run. According to management consultancy Bain & Company, there is a clear business case for adopting more sustainable models as doing so can spur growth, reduce costs, and build resilience (3). Sustainability is also a growing concern for consumers who are increasingly choosing more environmentally friendly options. The tourism and travel sector is no exception, with 71% of global travellers wanting to travel more sustainably in the future (4). A new traveller profile, the Mindful Explorer, seeks to contribute to regenerative and sustainable tourism. (5)

As sustainability increasingly becomes a priority for travellers, destinations should be prepared to address their needs.

Singapore’s unique setting as a city-state

Singapore is a small, low-lying island city-state of 734.3 square kilometres (283.5 square miles) in Southeast Asia (6). It is uniquely vulnerable to the effects of climate change as an alternative energy-disadvantaged country with a lack of natural resources, hinterland, and climatic conditions needed for large-scale deployment of renewable energy sources.

These inherent constraints make it challenging to address climate change. But the country does not shy away from taking bold actions where possible.

In 2021, the Singapore Green Plan 2030 (or the Green Plan) was launched as a roadmap to advance Singapore’s national agenda on sustainable development. The Green Plan charts ambitious and concrete targets under five key pillars – City in Nature, Sustainable Living, Energy Reset, Green Economy, and Resilient Future.

Today, Singapore is one of the world’s densest but greenest cities, with green cover at over 40%. The OneMillionTrees movement aims to plant a million more trees across Singapore over the next 10 years with the help of the community. The country is on track to achieve its goal for every household to be within a 10-minute walk from a park by 2030. These are just some of the many initiatives under the Green Plan.

It is important that the industry acknowledges travel and tourism’s carbon footprint which comes predominantly from the aviation industry. With aviation being the predominant travel mode to and from Singapore and sustainable aviation fuel identified as one of the key elements to achieving the aviation industry’s emissions reduction goals (7), in 2022, Singapore announced that it will have the world’s largest sustainable aviation fuel plant by 2023. Singapore Airlines has also operated its first flight with blended sustainable aviation fuel as part of a pilot to advance the use of sustainable aviation fuel in Singapore. (8)

This year, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will publish the Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint which will provide a decarbonisation roadmap for Singapore’s air hub, with medium-term 2030 and longer-term 2050 targets and tangible pathways to achieve them.

A city in nature, where large experiences come with small footprints

Singapore’s vision is to become one of the world’s most sustainable urban destinations – a city in nature where large experiences come with small footprints. The Singapore Tourism Board is working closely with tourism stakeholders to execute the destination sustainability strategy and roadmap for the tourism sector in line with the Green Plan.

First, galvanising sustainable tourism hardware and software. For instance, HyperDrive is a new first-of-its-kind gamified electric go-kart circuit which immerses drivers in a world of real-life racing and virtual gaming, providing an eco-friendly fun time for speedsters. The HyperDrive is thought to be a first-of-its-kind concept in Southeast Asia when it opens in the first half of 2023.

Second, working with sustainable tourism associations to create roadmaps and industry-specific standards for clear directions towards driving greater sustainability. For example, we launched the Hotel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions) Sustainability Roadmaps in collaboration with industry associations in 2022 (9). These roadmaps are accompanied with clear targets. For example, 60% of hotel room stock in Singapore are to attain internationally recognised hotel sustainability certification (e.g., by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council) by 2025, as well as commence tracking of emissions by 2023 and reduce emissions by 2030, with a view to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 .

To support tourism businesses at all stages of their sustainability journey, Singapore launched the Tourism Sustainability Programme (TSP). For example, tourism businesses can tap on TSP to upskill and train employees to take up sustainability-related skillsets or adopt solutions to make their businesses more sustainable in the longer term.

View of Jubilee Bridge going towards downtown Singapore.

It is also important to invest in the local citizen when attracting the global citizen. Intrepid travellers are in search of authentic local experiences, and locally-sourced food and drink, for example, are more likely to have a lower carbon footprint. Singapore continues to invest in local entrepreneurs and farmers (10), providing safe and secure working environments as well as training for those in the tourism industry to encourage the local community to flourish, as well as investing and maintaining cultural heritage, national monuments, and historical districts to enhance the visitors’ experience.

These efforts are adding to Singapore’s attractiveness globally as a sustainable, responsible travel destination.

How can Singapore pursue sustainable tourism credibly?

Sustainable tourism and development will also not look the same for every destination or organisation. How will the country know if it is on the right track?

STB embarked on an endeavour for Singapore to be certified based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)’s Destination Criteria. The GSTC Criteria are global standards for sustainable travel and tourism and the GSTC’s Destination Criteria assess a destination’s sustainability performance in thirty-eight criteria across four aspects: (a) Sustainable Management; (b) Socio-economic Sustainability; (c) Cultural Sustainability; and (d) Environmental Sustainability.

In January this year, Singapore was certified as a sustainable destination based on the GSTC’s Destination Criteria, after being the first to apply the certification on a country level.

Singapore is committed to achieving international standards and inspiring more tourism businesses and destinations to contribute to a greener world. The certification reflects Singapore’s commitment to becoming a sustainable urban destination and affirms that its efforts are on the right track.

Being certified is just the beginning of Singapore’s journey. The certification process identified areas where we have done well and where we can do better. Annual audits will be conducted by a GSTC-accredited certification body to ensure that Singapore continues to meet the criteria, including making improvements in the identified areas. STB will continue to work with tourism stakeholders to do more to internalise sustainability as part of their offerings so that they can contribute to making Singapore greener and more livable.

Global collaboration opportunities in travel

To mitigate climate change, focusing on one area or one country is insufficient – global collaboration within the tourism and travel industry is essential. A single solution will not move us forward to achieve our climate goals and build sustainable destinations.

Countries must work together to advance global action towards achieving net zero. Collaborations could include joint contributions to international regulations, standards and certification on emerging technologies such as lower carbon solutions and participation in joint R&D and test beds.

Singapore is already working closely with Australia, Chile, New Zealand and the U.S. to collaborate on low-carbon technologies, such as low-carbon hydrogen and Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) (11). In a world first, Singapore has commenced negotiations on a bilateral Green Economy Agreement (GEA) with Australia which combines trade, economic and environmental objectives. The country is also working actively to tap low-carbon energy beyond our shores with a view to eventually importing electricity from Malaysia and Indonesia through regional trade arrangements (12).

Singapore companies with relevant expertise have also partnered with overseas businesses to support them in achieving their sustainability aspirations. For example, Singapore developers and consultants have ensured that more than 300 projects from 16 countries had been certified under the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)’s Green Mark scheme (13).

As recently announced, Singapore is also collaborating with the GSTC, the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) and the Association of Singapore Attractions (ASA), to actively contribute to the development of GSTC’s global sustainability standards for the MICE and Attractions industries respectively. These new industry criteria are expected to be launched progressively from next year.

Such efforts will ensure that our tourism sector continues to maximise social and economic benefits for locals, reduce its impact on our environment, and contribute to conserving our local heritage while doing our part as responsible global citizens, and furthering the international dialogue on sustainable tourism.

Businesses, communities, and governments must collaborate to deliver sustainable and safe destinations for travellers to continue to visit and enjoy – it is good for the economy and the environment.

This piece was written by Carrie Kwik, Executive Director, Europe, Singapore Tourism Board

World Travel & Tourism Council ( WTTC) – Staff Shortages 2022
World Travel and Tourism Council/ Statista 2023
Bain & Company, The Circularity Challenge, May 2022
Source: Booking.com, Sustainable Travel Report 2022
WGSN report. Global trend forecaster WGSN is the data partner for SingapoReimagine Global Conversations Reimagine Experiences. WGSN’s report unveiled three new traveller profiles that have emerged from the pandemic as well as their heightened needs.
Source: Singapore Department of Statistics. Land data as of December 2022.
https://wttc.org/Portals/0/Documents/Reports/2021/WTTC_Net_Zero_Roadmap.pdf
By the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
www.edb.gov.sg/en/business-insights/insights/singapore-to-have-world-s-largest-sustainable-aviation-fuel-plant.html
www.caas.gov.sg/who-we-are/newsroom/Detail/singapore-airlines-operates-its-first-flights-with-blended-sustainable-aviation-fuel-in-singapore
Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) and the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS)
E.g., the Made with Passion national initiative spotlights local products by local entrepreneurs
E.g., the SG Fresh Produce badges enables consumers to identify local produce by farmers
www.nccs.gov.sg/media/press-release/singapore-looks-to-develop-and-deploy-lc-technological-solution
www.nccs.gov.sg/singapores-climate-action/singapore-and-international-efforts/
www.bcai.com.sg/green.htm

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Singapore Tourism Industry Outlook for 2022

Posted on 25 March 2022

Singapore has always been considered a top tourist destination for its modern infrastructures, diverse culture, and unique attractions. However, because of the emergence of the pandemic in 2020, the tourism sector has experienced significant drawbacks. It was not until 2021 that the industry started its recovery process.

2021 Tourism Sector Performance Review

During the first few months of 2021, the industry received S$1.2 billion in tourism receipts. Of the many foreigners who visited the country, the top three were from China, India, and Indonesia.

In terms of domestic travel , the Singapore Tourism Board shared that approximately 1.9 million residents used their SingapoRedisover vouchers, resulting in about S$300 million worth of transactions.

As of the final quarter of 2021, the industry’s performance increased by 221%, compared to their performance in 2020. Overall, both domestic and international tourism are showing promising growth for 2022.

Based on the data, experts believe that the tourism sector may even achieve its pre-pandemic performance if the trajectory remains on a positive incline.

Tourism Performance Key Indicators for 2022

Moving forward, take a closer look at what you can expect to see from the tourism industry in 2022 by following these key indicators:

Hotels and Hospitality

New hotels and lifestyle concepts opened up late in 2021, such as the Oasia Resort Sentosa, Duxton Reserve, and The Clan. These additional hubs will complement the existing hotels that have used the previous year to rebrand.

Hilton Singapore will reopen this year as the Voco Orchard Singapore, and Mandarin Orchard will relaunch itself as Hilton Singapore Orchard this 2022.

In 2021, the Ritz-Carlon, Millenia Singapore, introduced exciting new services to elevate guest experiences. Last year, they launched a unique augmented reality hotel art tour that allowed visitors to immerse themselves in and interact virtually with distinguished art pieces made by renowned artists like Frank Stella and Dale Chihuly.

Grand Hyatt Singapore also introduced an interesting event called the Recharge Wellness Retreat in 2021. They partnered with organic food producers and a local sports brand called Kydra to shed light on sustainability and offer wellness experiences to their guests.

This behaviour of exploring interesting and engaging ways to bring new experiences to the table is what hotels and hospitality will be about in 2022.

Moreover, the Singapore Tourism Board is currently working alongside the Singapore Hotel Association to design a sustainability roadmap for hotels this year that focuses on bringing urban wellness under the spotlight.

MICE picked up pace in 2021, with over 200 events and nearly 50,000 attendees (both local and international). Seeing how positive the response was to the events in the past, the Singapore Tourism Board will continue to encourage more events in 2022.

At present, they’re already planning multi-year events like Design Fair Asia and Gastech 2023, Seafood Expo 2022, Global Health Security Conference 2022, and World One Health Congress 2022.

As for leisure and lifestyle events, the board supported numerous events in 2021, like the Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration, the Mobile Legends Bang Bang M3 World Championship, and the Glass in Bloom exhibition by Dale Chihuly.

In 2022, they expect to expand the range and the sale of such events to cater to local demands. By producing more lifestyle events, they hope to make Singapore a more attractive destination for both local and international tourists.

Attractions

Despite travel restrictions in 2021, many attractions were introduced last year, like the Museum of Ice Cream launch.

Some existing attractions also expanded their services and used the time to refresh their offerings, like the Songkran Festival by Wild Wild Wet, the Virtual reality gallery at ArtScience Museum, and the Marvel Universe installation at Madame Tussaud’s Singapore.

By 2022, Jewel Changi Airport is set to launch a ticketed AR experience called the Jewel-rassic Quest. This attraction will use technology to create completely immersive activities and interactions.

Start a Business in Tourism

With the industry on the rise, tourism is becoming a powerful sector to start a business in. The board is continuously ramping up its efforts to drive more visitors to the country and deepen tourist engagement. So, try to seize these opportunities as early as now.

Whether you wish to invest in hotels, create events, or offer attractions, 2022 is the perfect time to explore the potential of tourism and begin your company incorporation in Singapore.

Corporate Services Singapore offers company registration services to help you set up your company in this industry. We also provide consultation and corporate solutions to help you navigate your business on the right path.

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Singapore Tourism Industry: Attracting More Visitors Globally

Singapore as one of the world’s largest economic sectors, Travel & Tourism creates jobs, drives exports, and generates prosperity across the world. In 2017, the global economic impact of Travel & Tourism accounts for 10.4% of global GDP and 9.9% of total employment or 313 million jobs, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council analysis. Singapore, in the 1970s, budgeted about $1 billion to developing the tourism industry. It is called the Tourism Product Development Plan. It is designed to maintain and preserve Singapore’s historic districts, such as Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street. This project is done in the projection of the impact it will have on the economy in the years to come. They were not wrong; Singapore tourism has grown to have major impacts on the country’s economy.

Singapore has one of the highest per capita incomes in Asia and is an important global business as well as a transportation hub. In 2014, the Singapore economy grew by 3.2 % as compared with 2.6 % in the previous year. In 2017, the total contribution of Singapore travel and tourism to GDP was 10.2% which was SGD 43.5 Bn (USD 31.5 Bn) and forecasted 3.5% rise by 2018 and by 2028 the GDP is expected to reach 11.4% that will be 3.6% pa to SGD 64.2 Bn (USD 46.5 Bn). Changi Airport, Singapore’s international airport has won more than 450 awards and it is one of the best airports globally. The airport caters to over 100 airlines and is expected to double its capacity by 2020 to serve 135 million passengers per annum.

STB has an extensive network of offices spanning the globe. Currently, STB has four Marketing Representatives and 20 Regional Offices, expanded in the seven regions. The entire spectrum of tourism functions, from tourism marketing to investment promotion all are under the regional offices of STB. They work together with in-market industry partners to promote Singapore to overseas consumers, facilitate tourism companies in investment plans and business alliances, monitor competitive activities and support the development of bi- or multilateral agreements.

The determinants of inbound Singapore tourism:

Inbound tourism Is a source of hard currency to the country. It creates jobs for the people and Represents a tool for development and progress for the nation. It is an encouraging and promising field for the investors and source for taxes to the country.

China- Worlds Biggest Spenders & Top-Spenders in Singapore Tourism for the third year in a row. China has Spent $3.08 Million last year (2017) According to the world tourist organization, China’s outbound tourist is growth rate is 19%, which puts China in the top spender spot globally for the sixth year in a row, ahead of U.S.A. According to the Singapore Tourism Board, last year from January to October, more than 2.7 million Chinese came to the country which is almost one-fifth of all visitors’ arrival. The growth of Chinese tourism in Singapore is a marketing push of STB in other parts of China also other than the major cities, such as Shanghai and Beijing. Singapore appeals to Chinese tourists to come and learn more about Singapore heritage and culture other than just shopping and sightseeing offering to guests, according to industry experts.

Singapore remains a hot trend destination for Indians saw 1.27 Million visitors in 2017. Singapore welcomes over 1.27 million Indian tourists in 2017, registering a growth of 7.4 %, according to Chee Pay Chang (Executive Director of South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.

India has moved a notch higher in becoming the third biggest source market for Singapore also the largest foreign source, market for the cruise in Singapore, India travellers account for the biggest chunk of Cruise travellers from Singapore with more than 1,00,000 tourists. India’s outbound travel rate is growing 15-20 % every year; also tourist arrivals from India registered the highest growth rate of 16 % among all other markets according to the Singapore Tourism Board. Number of Indians travelling overseas is set to rise to around 50 million by 2020.

For the Singapore tourism board, India has significant potential to grow with young families and millennials looking for holiday options in a place like Singapore.

Singapore is the destination that European perceived to be safe, easy to travel to explore other nearby destinations. Singapore is among the fastest growing destinations among European Travelers since 2010. Long Haul International trips to Asia had been increasing since 2010 and accounted for over 6 % of all outbound trips made by European Travelers. Majority of European Visitors arrived in Singapore as a part of the multi-destination trip, accounting for over 60 % of all the Europe visitors in 2013 and the average length of the day is 3-4 days. Most European Visitors travelled to Singapore from January to March to escape from the cold winter in Europe. Europe is among the World’s Largest Market for Outbound Tourism, saw over 580million outbound travellers in 2014. As the Europe economy gradually recovers from the recession long-haul travel to Asia remains attractive to European Travelers, offering a different experience from home, therefore Singapore would have to enhance its proposition to remain a top priority within the consideration set of Europe travellers when they make trips to Asia.

Singapore Tourism Receipts

In 2015, the tourism receipts in destinations around the world increased by 3.6% and 4.4% increase in international arrivals. In 2016, international tourism grew faster for the fourth consecutive year than world merchandise trade and increasing tourism’s share in the world’s exports to 7%. From International tourism, the total export value accounted for US$ 1.4 trillion and Singapore Tourism receipts expanded by 3.9% in 2016. This was mostly due to visitor arrivals across all top 10 markets growing, as well as more arrivals from high-spending markets such as China, South Korea, the United States and the United Kingdom. China also emerged top in tourism receipts for the third consecutive year.

The spending of tourist in Singapore is increasing every year with tourism receipts reaching SGD 6.4 billion, according to the Q1 2017 Tourism Sector Performance report of STB. Tourism receipts growth is connected with the higher visitor arrivals, as well as a major increase is expected in all components, such as sightseeing, gaming (SEG) components include shopping, accommodation, entertainment and food and beverage. Tourism receipts major components is accommodation. According to STB total gazette room revenue for 2017 grew by 3.9% to reach S$3.7 billion, while hotel occupancy rose by 1.5 percentage points. Twenty-two new hotels also opened, bringing the total number of hotels in Singapore to 420 at the end of December 2017. This led to room supply expanding by 5% to 67,084 rooms.

Sightseeing, Entertainment and Gaming become very popular in terms of the amount spent and popularity since 2009. Income on food beverage is also quite good, but not that high as other components, because the Retail growth is present but not as fast as expected, also due to Singapore’s large imports, changes in commodity and freight prices will have an impact on food sales. Shopping is also seeming to be at the top of the tourists’ expenditure list. It is a key pull factor that attracts tourists which plays an important role in increasing the Tourism Receipt of Singapore.

HOTEL INDUSTRY:

The hotel industry and the hospitality sector is one of the world’s fastest-growing divisions of the industry globally. Travel and tourism industry has helped many industries to remain afloat despite having tough economic time for and made it difficult for many sectors to survive. Despite the rapid growth in tourist activities, hotels in Singapore surprisingly have not experienced an increased number of guests in 2018. In fact, Singapore’s hotel room revenue actually declined by -1.7% from S$1.58 billion to S$1.55 billion, according to data collected by the Singapore Tourism Board. In fact, hotels actually sold -0.6% fewer room nights in the first half of 2017 than it did in the same period in 2016. The highest occupancy rate achieved so far is 85.7 % in 2012, after this year rate has been decreasing. Plenty of tips are there and provided to the hotel to improve its occupancy rate numbers. Cleanliness, price, and guest experience are big factors, but there is so much more Singapore Tourism Board can do to increase the occupancy rate. The Standard Average rate of the room has been inclined by 18 % from last year which must be the reason for the low occupancy rate. Total gazette room revenue rose by 15 per cent to reach S$3.70 billion in 2017. As at End-December 2018, the total revenue should be around S$3.9 billion.

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Singapore is desperate to revive tourism and business travel. Here are all the ways it has tried

Singapore announced on Tuesday it will open a segregated travel lane so “business, official, and high economic value travelers” can visit the city-state quarantine-free by staying in a designated “bubble” facility near the airport.

The facility, Connect@Changi, will feature guest rooms and conference rooms where visitors can meet with other people staying in the bubble. Travel lane visitors will be able to meet with Singapore residents in the bubble—but only with floor-to-ceiling dividers separating them.

The business travel lane is the latest attempt by Singapore’s government to jump-start the country’s all-important tourism and business travel sectors, which have cratered in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourism accounts for 4% of Singapore’s gross domestic product—it generated $20 billion in 2019—and the city is normally a top spot for business conferences and trade shows.

Over 19 million international tourists—more than three times the population of the country—visited Singapore in all of 2019, according to the Singapore Tourism Analytics Network. Through October, just 2.7 million visitors had trickled across the border in 2020.

Singapore largely has its coronavirus outbreak under control; it has not logged more than 20 new daily cases since the end of September. But its small size—the island nation spans 280 square miles—means that unlike its geographically bigger Asian peers that have also tamed COVID-19, Singapore can’t rely on domestic tourism to make up for the steep drop-off in international visitors.

“We don’t have a big domestic tourism market unlike, say, China or Hong Kong or Australia, and so the impact has been tremendous on our tourism industry,” Keith Tan, chief executive of the Singapore Tourism Board, said during a Fortune Global Tech Forum virtual conversation earlier this month.

In desperate bids to revive tourism and business travel, Singapore has rolled out a series of schemes—with varying degrees of success.

Domestic tourism

In June, as Singapore was loosening stay-at-home orders and other COVID-19 restrictions, the Singapore Tourism Board started letting popular tourist attractions reopen in stages and began accepting applications from domestic tour operators to resume business.

The following month, the board launched SingapoRediscovers, a $34 million campaign to boost local tourism, offering residents “staycation” packages, tours, and discounted attractions. That campaign included a $75 voucher for every adult Singaporean to use on hotels and attractions. On Dec. 1, the first day the vouchers were redeemable, the designated booking platforms received $1.4 million in sales.

Daily Life in Singapore Amid The Coronavirus Pandemic

Singapore’s flagship carrier, Singapore Airlines , has also staged creative attempts to boost revenue and get some of its planes back in the air. (In October, it recorded a 98.2% year-on-year decrease in passengers carried.)

The airline toyed with the idea of “flights to nowhere.” Passengers would board a plane that took off from Singapore’s Changi Airport, fly around, and then land at Changi again. Airlines in Taiwan and Hong Kong have operated flights to nowhere, with some working better than others. The haze over Hong Kong on the day of the region’s inaugural flight to nowhere was so thick that passengers couldn’t see the city from the plane.

Singapore Airlines ultimately didn’t follow through on the flights to nowhere idea, opting instead in October for a grounded experience that offered customers dinner and a movie on a double-decker A380 plane for $37 to $440. The airline also began offering tours of its training center and use of its flight simulator.

Singapore did allow the Royal Caribbean cruise line to launch “cruises to nowhere” from its harbor, but last week one ill-fated ship returned to port a day early after a passenger tested positive for the coronavirus, despite upgraded air filters, mandatory testing, and other safety protocols that officials had required of the operator. (It’s still unclear when or where the passenger contracted the virus.)

Bubbles and lanes

In September, the city-state received the first passengers from Brunei and New Zealand under its Air Travel Pass program.

The scheme lets visitors—including leisure tourists—apply to travel to Singapore and do so without undergoing a 14-day quarantine. Since it launched the plan in September, Singapore has expanded the list of eligible regions to include Australia, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The scheme is unilateral, meaning Singaporeans who want to travel to those countries are still subject to existing coronavirus travel restrictions.

Cruise Ship Back in Singapore After Covid Case Found

Singapore also runs reciprocal “green lane” programs with China, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Brunei, and Germany that let some corporate and diplomatic travelers skip quarantine on arrival if they test negative for COVID-19.

But Singapore still hasn’t managed to open a travel bubble with another region that would allow tourists from both sides to travel back and forth without quarantining.

In late November, it very nearly pulled off a travel bubble with Hong Kong that would have let residents of each region travel quarantine-free to the other, but a fourth wave of coronavirus cases in Hong Kong thwarted the bubble and forced authorities to delay it until at least 2021.

Conference hopes

Singapore’s various travel schemes provide an immediate boost to struggling hospitality businesses, but they are also attempts to establish Singapore as a place that is safe and open to visitors. Such a reputation would bolster the city-state’s chances of playing host to global conferences and events as COVID-19 vaccines become available and the pandemic eases in 2021.

The “MICE industry”—meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions—supported more than 34,000 jobs in Singapore and contributed $2.9 billion to the economy in 2019, according to the tourism board.

The World Economic Forum announced earlier this month that it would hold its annual meeting in Singapore instead of Davos, Switzerland. The gathering of business and political elites is scheduled for May. If it takes place successfully, it will be a boon for Singapore’s economy and a clear indication that the city can host large global events without risking coronavirus transmission.

But Singapore no doubt is haunted by a worst-case conference scenario it experienced early in the pandemic.

In late January, when Singapore had the third-highest number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the world (which, at the time, meant 43 cases), a British man contracted COVID-19 while attending a business conference in Singapore. The man traveled back to Europe, where he infected several other people. The media dubbed the Singapore conference a “super-spreader event.”

Singapore’s current control over local coronavirus infections supports the city’s argument that it can host global events like WEF’s annual meeting next year. But its handling of the virus was far from perfect. Singapore’s government said on Tuesday that half of the city’s migrant workers have had COVID-19.

Authorities used serology tests to detect antibodies, indicating past infection, and found that 98,289 workers had them. The government is still completing serology tests for 65,000 more workers. The results indicate that Singapore’s case count is far higher than the official tally of roughly 58,000.

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2022 Singapore Tourism Statistics Revealed Who Visited Singapore the Most

Written By MJ Afsary,
This article was first published on January 8, 2023,
and last updated on 10 months ago
In the Category Travel Tips

Home » Articles » 2022 Singapore Tourism Statistics Revealed Who Visited Singapore the Most

The tourism industry in Singapore is complicated but very profitable because it is made up of many different economic sectors. Singapore’s tourism industry is one of the most profitable parts of the local economy. It supports 164,000 jobs and makes up 4% of the country’s GDP. So, the numbers say what they need to say.

So, how did Singapore’s tourism business grow? How many people went to this country as tourists in 2022? And what does tourism do to the economy as a whole? To answer these questions, we’ll show you statistics about the tourism industry in Singapore.

General Singapore Tourism Statistics for 2022

Singapore’s borders reopened on April 1, 2022 , as part of the Vaccinated Travel Framework. At the beginning of the year, the city’s tourism board (STB) made a statement about the number of international visitors (IVA). Singapore thinks that between 4 and 6 million people will visit in 2022, as international tourism grows. The results were also good news.

In 2022, more than 5.37 million people from all over the world went to Singapore. The number of visitors grew by 2,164.9% each year (YoY)
There were about 906,900 Indonesian tourists
4.03 million people stayed overnight in Singapore (million)
Till the November of 2022, the average length of stay for tourists from other countries was 5.19 days

Foreign nationals apply for the Singapore Visa in 2022

A passport and an entry visa to Singapore are not the same thing. If you have a valid visa for Singapore , you are allowed to travel to Singapore and apply for an entry with SGAC . The Singapore High Commission only accepts business and tourist visas. Also, according to Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, the country is not turning away foreign workers and professionals, but is instead adjusting how they are hired to make sure they work in areas where there aren’t enough workers.

The good news is that with the help of Singapore Visa Online, you can get your Singapore visa online in as few as three to five business days. The Singapore eVisa will save applicants time as they will no longer need to submit a paper application or attend an in-person interview at a consulate or embassy.

International Visitors by Country Arriving in Singapore for 2022

The given information paints a picture of a city with a lot of tourists. From January to November 2022, people from the following countries went to Singapore the most:

Indonesia: 906.9k
India: 612.3k
Malaysia: 495.47k
Australia: 476.48k
Philippines: 325.48k
Vietnam: 285.05k
The USA: 264.75k
Thailand: 247.38k
The UK: 193.68k
South Korea: 185.69k
China: 111.18k
Germany: 1110.06k
Hong Kong SAR: 102.02k
Others: 945.18k

International Visitors to Singapore by Month

Now that you know which countries sent the most visitors to Singapore, I’ll break down the yearly totals by season (January through November).

January 2022 - 57,174 arrivals
February 2022 - 67,764 arrivals
March 2022 - 121,207 arrivals
April 2022 - 295,095 arrivals
May 2022 - 418,458 arrivals
June 2022 - 534,733 arrivals
July 2022 - 726,602 arrivals
August 2022 - 729,601 arrivals
September 2022 - 782,080 arrivals
October 2022 - 816,764 arrivals
November 2022 - 816,250 arrivals
December 2022 - 820,155 arrivals

Average Length of Stay in Singapore for International Arrivals

January 2022: 18.9 days
February 2022: 16.9 days
March 2022: 12.5 days
April 2022: 7.3 days
May 2022: 6.1 days
June 2022: 5.7 days
July 2022: 5.1 days
August 2022: 4.9 days
September 2022: 3.4 days
October 2022: 3.6 days
November 2022: 4.1 days
December 2022 - 5.2 days

International Visitor Arrivals By Sex and Age

Creating a good image of the destination can have an effect on tourists. Sex and age are the most important factors of a tourist destination for the number of international visitors. Let’s look at the big picture:

Female: Total of 2,544,620 female arrivals in Singapore (around 2.5 million female arrivals)
Male: Total of 2,829,190 male arrivals in Singapore (around 2.8 million arrivals)

By Age Group

Under 15 Years: 431,351 visitors
15-19 Years: 170,420 visitors
20-24 Years: 405,960 visitors
25-34 Years: 1,390,000 visitors
35-44 Years: 1,150,000 visitors
45-54 Years: 838,830 visitors
55-64 Years: 601,890 visitors
65 & Over: 389,960 visitors

Singapore Arrivals by Mode of Transport

About 4.6 million people from outside the country flew on commercial flights in 2022. In that year, when Singapore reopened its borders to the rest of the world, there was a sudden rise in air travel.

Arrivals via Air: 4,642,610 (Around 4.6 million arrivals)
Arrivals via Sea: 441,123
Arrivals via Land: 294,057

Singapore Hotel Statistics for 2022

People who are on the road need a place to sleep. Read on to learn more about the hotel business in 2022. Be careful, though, because the results might surprise you.

I should make it clear that these numbers are only for hotels that are listed in the official gazette.

Average Singapore Hotel Occupancy Rate in 2022

At that time, more rooms were being used, so a higher percentage means that more rooms were being used.

Jan 2022: 59%
February 2022: 64%
March 2022: 60%
April 2022: 67%
May 2022: 73%
June 2022: 78%
July 2022: 79%
August 2022: 77%
September 2022: 83%
October 2022: 85%
November 2022: 87%
December 2022: 92%

Rooms that are being fixed up or that are being used by staff are not included.

Jan 2022: 962.68K
February 2022: 883.23K
March 2022: 1.34M
April 2022: 1.33M
May 2022: 1,44M
June 2022: 1,58M
July 2022: 1,55M
August 2022: 1,62M
September 2022: 1.65M
October 2022: 1.71M
November 2022: 1.63M
December 2022: 1.72M

Singapore Tourism Receipts during the Pandemic

COVID-19 has had a big impact on the growth and development of economies around the world. This is not a secret. This is especially true in the business of travel and tourism. Next, we’ll look at tourism before, during, and after the outbreak:

Tourism Receipts per Major Component for 2019

For 2019, tourism receipts equaled 27.69B (billion) dollars, an 2.77% increase from 2018.

Shopping: 5.64B (billion)
Accommodation: 5.53B
Food and Beverages: 2.5B
Sightseeing, Entertainment, and Gaming: 6.0B
Other major components not listed (airfare, port taxes, etc.): 8.03B

Tourism Receipts per Major Component for 2020

For 2020, tourism receipts equaled 4.83B (billion) dollars, an 82.56% decrease from 2020.

Shopping: 1702.93M (million)
Accommodation: 1.02B (billion)
Food and Beverages: 453.67M
Sightseeing, Entertainment, and Gaming: 951.27M
Other major components not listed (airfare, port taxes, etc.): 1.7B

Tourism Receipts per Major Component for 2021

For 2021, tourism receipts equaled 1.89B (billion) dollars, a 60.79% decrease from 2020.

Shopping: 174.42M (million)
Accommodation: 580.44M
Food and Beverages: 192.46M
Sightseeing, Entertainment, and Gaming: 223.26M
Other major components not listed (airfare, port taxes, etc.): 723.05M

Tourism Receipts per Major Component for the 2022

Looking at the tourism receipts for 2022, we can see an enormous increase from 2021.

Shopping: 899.36M (million)
Accommodation: 1.05B
Food and Beverages: 367.5M
Sightseeing, Entertainment, and Gaming: 751.56M
Other major components not listed (airfare, port taxes, etc.): 1.42B

What are Singapore's Traditional Incoming Markets, and How will that Change Post-COVID?

Over the course of 2022, global COVID rules and travel restrictions have been gradually lifted. As a result, we should expect a steady rise in tourism to several major places around the world, including Singapore. The economy, along with everything else, eventually returned to normal. Singapore has been successful for a long time because of its overall Traditional Incoming Market framework.

Singapore’s economy is open and heavily based on trade. It is a key link in the supply chain worldwide. Singapore has mostly open investment strategies and a strong free market economy. At the same time, Singapore’s government takes an active role in managing and keeping the economy growing. It also supports open investment policies and a strong free market economy. The country has some of the strictest laws in the world against corruption, and they are being followed strictly.

There has been a lot of foreign investment in the petrochemical, electronic, pharmaceutical, machinery and equipment, and services sectors of Singapore’s manufacturing sector (financial, trade, and business). By giving companies tax breaks, funding for research and development (R&D), and chances to work with local research institutions, the government is trying to make the country a hub for R&D and innovation around the world.

Singapore’s digital innovation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and cybersecurity sectors are likely to get more foreign investments in the future. Singapore’s government is putting a lot of money into AI, robotics, integrated systems, and protecting the environment in order to make the country a hub for these technologies in Southeast Asia. Also, Singapore has always been a place where research and medical technology are made and developed.

Post COVID-19 Scenario

Even though it’s hard to predict inbound tourism, we can guess how Singapore’s usual inbound markets will change after the covid.

34% of Singapore’s workers are from outside the country, which makes the country very dependent on them. After the first COVID-19 pandemic outbreak was found in dormitories where low-wage immigrant workers in the construction and maritime industries lived, strict quarantine rules almost put an end to the construction industry. The Singaporean government had cut most businesses’ quotas for mid-skilled and low-skilled foreign workers in 2020. This was done to encourage businesses to be more efficient and hire more Singaporeans. After COVID-19, it impacted the overall economic growth of 2022.

The tourism industry was one of the first to feel the effects of the pandemic, since almost all tourism operations around the world had to stop so that the virus could be stopped. But things turned out differently in 2022, when Singapore became a top tourist destination. In 2022, some tourists may even plan a stopover in Singapore just to see the city’s many sights.

Before the epidemic, China was the most important market for Singapore to sell to. China dropped from number one on the list of most visited countries in 2019 to number eleven in 2022. This is because between 2019 and 2022, the number of visitors to China had dropped by 98.2%. Japan used to be sixth, but now it’s not even on the list of top countries that come here. But the strict covid laws were a major reason why Chinese and Japanese international tourism is going down.

There is now no reason to think that tourists from the rest of the industry’s traditional markets will stop coming to Singapore. The number of people coming from these top countries has gone up a lot from one month to the next, and the numbers show that this is likely to keep happening. And based on what we’ve learned, we think that the tourism industry will continue to grow beyond 2022.

Final Words

Based on the information below, we can see that Singapore’s tourism industry started to grow again in 2022, after two long years. STB wants to keep growing Singapore’s tourism industry by coming up with new ideas and products. Tourism is still Singapore’s fastest-growing business because it can create jobs, bring in money from other countries, and help develop many different parts of the country.

There are so many great things to see and photograph in Singapore that you will want to see more. Plan your trip now to make sure that you have a great time.

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Find Tourism and Travel partners in Singapore

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimated that travel and tourism contribute 10.6% to Singapore’s total GDP (2011). As a result of this, the WTTC ranked Singapore 76th out of 181 countries in terms of the relative contribution of tourism to the economy, only 3.4% below the world average. The sector supports 8.6% of total employment which is set to rise over the next decade, meaning that by 2022 an estimated 320, 000 people will be employed directly and indirectly by the sector. Visitor exports generated 3.3% of total exports in 2011 which is forecast to fall in the short term but grow by 2.7% per annum to 2022 (WTTC). In 2010 Singapore received over 9.1 million tourists.

Business and Singaporean culture are major draws for visitors. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) aims to ensure that tourism remains a key economic pillar through long-term strategic planning in partnership with the public and private-sector stakeholders. The focus of Singapore’s tourism marketing is on cultural tourism, entertainment and shopping. The board also advertises wildlife tours, mainly in specially created areas such as landscaped gardens and zoos, as well as promoting child friendly tourism and an alternative Christmas destination. Singapore attracts visitors from around the world and the board suggests many ways to travel to the country, including driving from nearby Asian cities. Travel and tourism infrastructure is highly developed.

In 2011 investment in the travel and tourism industry was SGD16.4bn, constituting 20.2% of total investment. This was expected to rise by 9.4% in 2012, and then continue to rise by 8.3% pa over the following ten years, reaching SGD39.9bn by 2022.

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Govt to invest S$500 million to help tourism sector recover, aims to position S'pore as 'urban wellness haven'

Advertisement.

SINGAPORE — In a bid to reel in travellers after Singapore eased border restrictions earlier this month, the Government has set aside half a billion dollars to support the tourism sector's recovery from the pandemic.

The Government is investing S$500 million to help the tourism sector recover
The money will go into supporting and sustaining strategic manpower capabilities and offsetting business costs, among others
Plans to revitalise the industry include a new festival that promotes wellness in June, as well as a new integrated board sports facility along Orchard Road

Kimberly Lim

Speaking on Wednesday (April 6) at an industry conference, Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, said that the investment will go into supporting and sustaining "strategic manpower capabilities in the sector, offset business costs and amplify our international recovery plans".

"Looking ahead, while the outlook for international travel is hopeful, we must remain agile and be prepared to face challenges and setbacks that may come our way," he added.

"With the experience and learning that we have gained in the past few years, I am confident that we will be able to emerge stronger together."

The plans to revitalise the tourism industry include a new festival that promotes wellness in June, as well as a new integrated board sports facility along Orchard Road. The facility is part of a move to remake the shopping belt into a lifestyle destination.

The facility, which will be called Trifecta, will allow visitors to skate, surf, ski and snowboard, the Singapore Tourism Board's chief executive Keith Tan said at the conference, which was attended by industry leaders.

The announcement came shortly after Singapore eased its cross-border controls for Covid-19 from the start of this month.

Plans to revitalise Orchard Road have been ongoing, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Keith Tan said at the same conference.

"We must focus on raising the 'delight' or 'fun' quotient of the events and experiences here in Singapore.

"Don’t just rely on formulas or templates that worked in the past. We must come up with innovative ways to enable our events, experiences and offerings to surprise and stand out," he added.

In 2019, the Urban Redevelopment Authority introduced the Strategic Development Incentive scheme to drive the redevelopment of older buildings and turn them into more productive mixed-use developments — by allowing developers to increase their gross floor area, among other things, if they have proposals that transform the precinct.

That year, a ministerial committee working on the Government's plans to rejuvenate the well-known shopping belt in Singapore eventually came up with Design Orchard, an incubation space for homegrown brands, among other projects.

Mr Keith Tan of STB added that the Government will "double-down" its efforts for SingapoReimagine, its international recovery campaign to welcome travellers by realising their passion for travel "through fresh and innovative experiences" in Singapore.

"While it will take a few years for international demand for travel to return to pre-pandemic levels, we need to effectively recapture the pent-up travel demand in the immediate term so that we can speed up our tourism recovery," he said.

Several growth areas for Singapore tourism have been identified, including becoming a sustainable urban destination, as well as positioning itself as an "urban wellness haven".

"Post-pandemic, we want Singapore to be seen as a destination with a wide range of accessible experiences that support the holistic well-being of our leisure and business visitors," the STB chief said.

Tourism recovery

STB will be launching a new incentive programme to offer visitors a complimentary experience when they visit Singapore, in order to give visitors “hidden gem” surprises so that they may experience more of Singapore in an unexpected way
The agency will intensify regional and global partnerships to feature Singapore. Such partners would include online travel agents such as Expedia and Traveloka, as well as aviation partners such as Singapore Airlines
It will also grow the country's position as a node for business tourism by drawing business events that are relevant to the needs of the future, such as those involved in sustainability, urban solutions, food security, energy security, financial technology and advanced manufacturing

Tourism Sustainability Programme

A new Tourism Sustainability Programme will be launched to provide tourism businesses with resources to identify strategic areas to embark on or expand sustainability efforts. It will focus on three main areas: Capability and growth, innovation, and education and awareness
The programme will support capability building through training, as well as to provide grants to businesses
Through the Singapore Tourism Accelerator, the Government will support the development and test-bedding of innovative sustainable solutions

An urban wellness haven

In 2019, the global wellness tourism market was estimated at more than US$720 billion (close to S$990 billion). This figure is projected to grow over the next five years to reach US$1.1 trillion by 2025
Singapore has many opportunities to curate wellness experiences and leverage its identity as a "City in Nature" , Mr Keith Tan said, referring to the Government’s vision and goal for the country to create a liveable and sustainable home for its people by increasing green spaces
A 10-day Wellness Festival Singapore, which is focused on wellness and mindfulness, is slated to be launched in June. It will include a multi-sensory pop-up space at Gardens by the Bay, along with wellness masterclasses that offer a series of art, wellness and mindfulness programmes at the National Art Gallery of Singapore

Singapore's 'fun' quotient

Homegrown brand Mr Bucket Chocolaterie will launch a new Chocolate Factory concept later this year at the Dempsey Road dining enclave. It will feature Singapore’s first build-your-own chocolate bar section, with distinctive Asian flavours
Later in 2022, Gardens by the Bay will launch a new attraction called Avatar: The Experience, which is based on the 2009 Hollywood movie

Ready for the future

STB is piloting proof-of-concepts for "extended reality", which encompasses augmented, mixed and virtual reality. To do this, it launched a grant call earlier in February called "The Next Experience"

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Statistics on " Inbound tourism in the United Kingdom (UK) "

International tourism spending in the UK 2019-2022
International tourist spending growth in the United Kingdom (UK) 2010-2028
Leading inbound travel markets for the UK 2019-2023, by spending
Monthly inbound tourist visits to the UK 2018-2023
Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2019-2022, by purpose of trip
Number of inbound visits to the UK 2019, by mode of travel
Number of inbound visits to the UK 2019-2022, by country of destination
International tourist visits to the UK 2023, by airport
Number of inbound visits from Europe to the UK 2011-2023
Inbound visits from North America to the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2020
Number of overnight stays by inbound tourists in the UK 2004-2022
Average length of stays of inbound visitors in the UK 2003-2022
Leading inbound travel markets for the UK 2019, by overnight stays
Holiday visits: average number of overnight stays in the UK 2019, by source country
Inbound tourist overnight stays in the UK 2019, by country visited
International tourist spending in the UK 2004-2024
Monthly inbound tourist spending in the UK 2018-2023
Average inbound tourist spending in the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2019
Inbound visitor spending in the United Kingdom (UK) 2019, by purpose of trip
Inbound visitor spending in the United Kingdom (UK) 2019, by country visited
Inbound travel spending: European visitors to the UK 2011-2019
Inbound travel spending: North America visitors to the UK 2011-2019
Cultural products international consumers associated with the UK 2022
Words used by international consumers to describe trips to the UK 2022
Reasons to travel on vacation to the United Kingdom (UK) 2016
Likelihood of tourists to visit Britain following the EU referendum 2018, by market
Alternative destinations considered by long haul visitors to the UK 2016

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Basic Statistic International tourism spending in the UK 2019-2022
Basic Statistic International tourist spending growth in the United Kingdom (UK) 2010-2028
Basic Statistic Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2002-2023
Basic Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in the UK 2019-2022, by number of visits
Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets for the UK 2019-2023, by spending

Inbound visitors

Premium Statistic Monthly inbound tourist visits to the UK 2018-2023
Premium Statistic Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2019-2022, by purpose of trip
Premium Statistic Number of inbound visits to the UK 2019, by mode of travel
Premium Statistic Number of inbound visits to the UK 2019-2022, by country of destination
Premium Statistic International tourist visits to the UK 2023, by airport
Premium Statistic Number of inbound visits from Europe to the UK 2011-2023
Premium Statistic Inbound visits from North America to the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2020

Overnight stays

Premium Statistic Number of overnight stays by inbound tourists in the UK 2004-2022
Premium Statistic Average length of stays of inbound visitors in the UK 2003-2022
Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets for the UK 2019, by overnight stays
Premium Statistic Holiday visits: average number of overnight stays in the UK 2019, by source country
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Expenditure

Premium Statistic International tourist spending in the UK 2004-2024
Premium Statistic Monthly inbound tourist spending in the UK 2018-2023
Premium Statistic Average inbound tourist spending in the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2019
Premium Statistic Inbound visitor spending in the United Kingdom (UK) 2019, by purpose of trip
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Premium Statistic Inbound travel spending: European visitors to the UK 2011-2019
Premium Statistic Inbound travel spending: North America visitors to the UK 2011-2019

Visitor attitudes

Premium Statistic Cultural products international consumers associated with the UK 2022
Premium Statistic Words used by international consumers to describe trips to the UK 2022
Premium Statistic Reasons to travel on vacation to the United Kingdom (UK) 2016
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Basic Statistic Number of international tourist arrivals in India 2010-2021
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International tourist arrivals in Europe 2006-2023
Countries with the highest outbound tourism expenditure worldwide 2019-2023
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8 best business travel management companies in Singapore

#1 - travelperk.

Industry-leading inventory - Book flights, trains, hotels, car rentals, or even an Airbnb for a hassle-free corporate travel experience.
Fast, 24/7 customer support - Speak to a real person in target 15-seconds by online chat to get your travel issues resolved immediately. Available 24-7, all year round, you're never left in the lurch when a travel emergency arises.
FlexiPerk - Gives you the most flexible business travel , ever. Book any flight, hotel, car, or train at any rate, and cancel anytime with no questions asked.
TravelCare - TravelCare keeps your employees safe during their trips , alerting them to any urgent information affecting their travel.
Integrated travel policy & approval flows - Create and customize your ideal travel policy in under two minutes. Built-in policies make it simple for employees to stay within budgets and stay in control of their travel without being micromanaged.
Centralized invoicing - Get one invoice for all your purchases and pay just one provider. Don't waste any more time chasing down invoices.
Easy & real-time expense reports - An intuitive, easy-to-use expense management interface enables you to track employee spending in real-time.
GreenPerk - Set travel emissions targets and drive down traveler emissions through accurate data, and work with carbon compensation solutions.

See how TravelPerk makes business travel stress free

#2 - cots - corporate travel services.

CoTS - Corporate Travel Services homepage

CoTS TripPAL - A corporate travel management app, similar to the TravelPerk app, which acts just like a personal assistant to manage every stage of a business trip
Travel management reporting - A reporting system that tracks and stores travel data to help businesses plan and manage their corporate travel management programs.
Consulting - Face-to-face meetings with business leaders, travel planners and finance teams to plan corporate travel solutions and identify potential cost savings.
Duty of care - Offering travelers peace of mind with safety and security management before, during, and after business trips.

#3 - Global Travel

Business travel coordination including flight and hotel reservations, visa services and travel insurance
Travel policy management
Travel management reporting
Crisis management

#4 - FCM Travel

Checking airfares
Booking flights, hotels, transfers, and car hire
Travel approval system customized to suit company travel policies
Duty of care
Payments and expense management
Reporting and analytics
Intuitive mobile app for travelers to manage trips
Sustainability program
24-7 support

Reasons why FCM Travel customers have moved to TravelPerk in the past year:

An intuitive platform with dozens of third-party integration options
Flexible corporate travel cancellations with FlexiPerk
24/7 customer service, delivered within a target 15-second response time
Guest account option for members booking outside your organization

Click below for a more detailed comparison between both platforms:

#5 - egencia.

Expense management
Policy compliance
Travel itinerary management
Risk management
Profile management

Reasons why Egencia customers have moved to TravelPerk in the past year:

Freemium model, simple pricing, and no minimum contract
No extra cost for customer care or implementation
No extra monthly fees or hidden charges
FlexiPerk : Book any type of travel—flight, hotel, car, or train—and cancel at any time while still getting an 80% refund

#6 - SAP Concur

Platform which operates in seven languages
Integration with TripIt Pro
Expense assist feature
Activity dashboard
Activity reporting and benchmarking
Fraud protection

Reasons why SAP Concur customers have moved to TravelPerk in the past year

Incredible UX to provide a high-quality experience
More and better access to international travel options
VAT recovery: enables you to save 25% on all business travel costs

Events management
Industry-specific solutions
Self-service online booking tools
Traveller tracking
Real-time travel risk management
Global team of corporate travel agents

Reasons why CTM customers have moved to TravelPerk in the past year:

Leading support in target 15-second response time
An industry-leading travel inventory
An intuitive, accessible app to access trip itineraries, and more
Reservations with more than 800,000 business-appropriate hotels
24-7 support through a chat-style messaging system
Travel policy compliance and risk management
Real-time travel alerts
Sustainable travel options

Reasons why CWT customers have moved to TravelPerk in the past year:

7- star customer service : including a target 15-second response time, available 24/7 and 365 days of the year, and not a bot in sight.
An industry-leading inventory for hotels, flights, car rentals, and more
Slick UI and easy-to-use booking tool

How to choose the right corporate travel management company in Singapore

Technology - The driving force of modern travel, your chosen corporate travel company in Singapore should be able to integrate the right travel tech for your business. The right travel technologies can help you manage risk, automate repetitive processes, and identify time and cost savings.
Flexibility - Travel plans can change. A TMC that makes adjusting travel arrangements simple is a must to make life easier for travel planners and travelers alike.
Responsiveness - Travel disruptions happen. When they do, you want a business travel management company in Singapore that's available and responsive to tackle any problems that arise. Ideally, you want to communicate with a real human rather than a bot when time is of the essence.
Comprehensiveness - You want a corporate travel management company that covers everything. A TMC should be your one-stop shop for all things business travel related . From booking flights and accommodation to managing travel expenses and goods and services tax recovery, you want to limit the number of touchpoints to ensure a streamlined travel management process.

Make business travel simpler. Forever.

See our platform in action . Trusted by thousands of companies worldwide, TravelPerk makes business travel simpler to manage with more flexibility, full control of spending with easy reporting, and options to offset your carbon footprint.
Find hundreds of resources on all things business travel, from tips on traveling more sustainably, to advice on setting up a business travel policy, and managing your expenses. Our latest e-books and blog posts have you covered.
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Singapore Tourism to host multi-city B2B roadshow in India highlighting "Made in Singapore" campaign

Online Bureau ,
ETTravelWorld
Updated On Jun 28, 2024 at 02:24 AM IST

Explore Maldives roadshow set to reignite Indian travel market in Bengaluru

The roadshow aims to underscore the Maldives as a premier travel destination by engaging key stakeholders in dynamic networking sessions and captivating presentations. The roadshow represents a significant effort to strengthen tourism ties between India and the Maldives. As the travel industry recovers and evolves, such initiatives are essential for driving sustained growth and enhancing the travel experiences of tourists from both countries.

By Online Bureau ,
Published On Jun 27, 2024 at 08:58 PM IST

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Music tourism as Singapore’s new growth driver

With the trade recovery yet to fully take off, Singapore is busy making music tourism its new growth driver. British rock band Coldplay performed in January, while American pop star Taylor Swift wrapped up her six-night, sold-out concerts two nights ago, on March 9. There are more concerts to come for the rest of 2024.

While the Lion City has traditionally been more a magnet for business travel, these global music events are a boon for Singapore’s travel-related services. A recently implemented scheme where citizens of China can enter Singapore without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days also helps. Indeed, as we enter the Year of the Dragon, the talk of the town among people in Singapore is how many Coldplay and Taylor Swift concerts they have been to, and which concerts they are planning to go to next.

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Market Overview
Market Challenges
Market Opportunities
Market Entry Strategy
Environmental Technologies (POL)
Information and Telecommunications Technology
Agriculture
Trade Barriers
Import Tariffs
Import Requirements and Documentation
Labeling/Marking Requirements
U.S. Export Controls
Temporary Entry
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Customs Regulations
Standards for Trade
Trade Agreements
Licensing Requirements for Professional Services
Distribution and Sales Channels
Selling Factors and Techniques
Trade Financing
Protecting Intellectual Property
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Investment Climate Statement
Business Travel

Business Customs

Business discussions are usually very straightforward. Most businesspeople speak English. They are usually skilled and technically knowledgeable. Many agents and distributors have visited the United States and often handle several American product lines. Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perception Index ranks Singapore fifth of 180 countries globally, the highest-ranking Asian country.

Many Singapore businesspeople are of ethnic Chinese background and will have “Western” first names (e.g., Melody Yeo). Those with only a Chinese name presented on business cards will list their family name before their first name. For example, a person whose card reads “Mr. Chan Yiu Kei” would be addressed as “Mr. Chan.”

The names of businesspeople of Malay or Indian descent are written and spoken as a given name followed by a family name. For politeness and respect, it is wise to address a businessperson by the last name rather than the first name until invited to use a given word. When in doubt, it is not impolite to ask. The standard and polite Singaporean phrase is ‘How shall I address you?’

Business cards are a must and are the first item exchanged during business and social meetings. The business card is present using both hands. There is no need to have unique business cards printed in Chinese. Digital name cards are becoming more popular as companies and the Government tries to reduce carbon footprints and costs.

Located one degree north of the Equator, Singapore has a constant tropical climate year-round. Daytime temperatures average between 85- and 90-degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is very high, and rain showers are frequent. Night temperatures average between 76 and 80 degrees. All public buildings, indoor restaurants, and taxis are air-conditioned.

Business travelers should pack summer-weight suits/dresses, several dress shirts, plus an umbrella. Singapore business dress is a long-sleeved shirt, and the absence of a tie is acceptable. Some formal meetings call for a coat and tie. Businesswomen wear lightweight attire. Evening/dinner dress is a shirt and tie for men, but there is no strict dress code for women.

Tipping is not customary in Singapore. Restaurants automatically add a 10 percent service charge and the prevailing goods and services tax (GST) to the bill.

Travel Advisory

Americans planning to travel to Singapore should regularly monitor The State Department Travel Advisory on Singapore and the United States Embassy in Singapore COVID-19 Info Page. In addition to tracking the travel advisory level, all intending travelers could read through each section as it has practical, comprehensive information extending beyond what is in included in the guide.

While in a foreign country, a United States citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under United States law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than those in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Singapore laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

There are strict penalties for the possession and use of drugs and for trafficking illegal drugs. Visitors should be aware of Singapore’s strict laws and penalties for actions that might not be illegal or considered minor offenses in the United States. Commercial disputes dealt with as civil suits in the United States can escalate to criminal cases in Singapore and may result in heavy fines and prison sentences.

Singapore customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary import and export of items such as weapons, illegal drugs, certain religious materials, and pornographic material. Singapore customs authorities’ definition of “weapon” is inclusive and, in addition to firearms, includes many items which are not necessarily seen as weapons in the United States, such as dive knives, kitchen knives, handcuffs, and expended shell casings. Carrying any of these items without permission may result in immediate arrest. Inspections are on all bags for regulated entities.

Singapore has four types of dutiable goods: alcoholic beverages, tobacco, gasoline, and motor vehicles. Travelers entering Singapore at any port of entry must approach an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer at the “Red Channel” for payment of duty (e.g., alcohol and tobacco) and goods and services tax (GST) if you have dutiable goods which exceed the GST relief or duty-free concession. It is an offense to proceed to the “Green Channel” for clearance if you have items subject to payment of duty and GST.

Visa Requirements

United States citizens do not need a visa if their visit to Singapore is for business or social purposes and their stay is for 90 days or less. Travelers to the region should note that Singapore and some neighboring countries do not allow Americans to enter under any circumstances with fewer than six months of validity remaining on their passports. Travelers should note that there are also stringent penalties for overstaying their visas. The Embassy of the Republic of Singapore has information on entry into Singapore.

United States companies should note that Singapore is part of the Visa Waiver Program and that nationals of Singapore are eligible to travel to the United States without a visa for tourist and business travel of 90 days or less, provided they possess an e-passport, a return/onward ticket and an approved authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Approval via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival.

Singaporeans are also eligible to participate in the United States Global Entry Program , which allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Third-country nationals living and working in Singapore may have to obtain a visa before visiting the United States. U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following link(s).

• State Department Visa Website

• United States Embassy Singapore

• ESTA

Currency

Singapore’s unit of currency is the Singapore dollar. Visitors may exchange their Travelers’ Checks and cash in the baggage claim area at Changi Airport (at a reasonable rate) or at any hotel (at a less favorable rate). Singapore features dozens of Government-authorized “money changers” located in major shopping centers, offering competitive rates, and they will usually accept United States travelers’ checks as well as major currencies. Hotels, restaurants, and retail shops welcome international credit cards. ATMs that accept United States cards are widely available.

Telecommunications/Electronics

Telecommunications and Internet facilities in Singapore are state-of-the-art, providing high-quality communications with the rest of the world. Whether you want to hop on Instagram or log into your email for work, it is easy to find an Internet connection in Singapore, from free Wi-Fi hotspots to prepaid data plans. The Visit Singapore website has more information.

Singapore is well-connected by multiple satellite and submarine cable systems supporting international and regional telecoms connectivity and a national broadband network infrastructure. She prides herself on innovation and has become one of the first countries in the world to be covered by standalone 5G, with over 95 percent standalone 5G network coverage.

The standard electrical current used in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles), and the power sockets are three square prongs, so do bring an adapter.

Transportation

Situated at the crossroads of international shipping and air routes, Singapore is a center for transportation and communication in Southeast Asia.

Singapore’s Changi Airport has established itself as a significant aviation hub in the Asia Pacific region. The country is one of the busiest ports globally and is joined to Malaysia by road.

Taxis are abundant, metered, safe, inexpensive, and air-conditioned, and most drivers speak English. Building names or landmarks should be told to the driver as the destination when entering taxis, as these are often more familiar than street names. To promote traffic flow, the Government limits the cars on the road through heavy fees/taxes and imposes a surcharge on vehicles entering the Central Business District during peak hours. Other alternative transport is private hire car services such as Grab and Gojek. In addition, Singapore has an immaculate, efficient subway system and bus network.

Most people speak English in Singapore. It is the language of business, Government, education, and the media. Many businesspeople are highly educated and have traveled extensively.

Good medical care is widely available in Singapore, and high-end medical tourism is growing. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate payment for health services by credit card or cash and generally do not accept United States health insurance. Healthcare recipients should be aware that the Ministry of Health auditors, in certain circumstances, may be granted access to patient medical records without the patient’s consent. Physicians must provide information on the diagnosis or treatment without the patient’s consent in certain circumstances.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult their medical insurance company before traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Other health information: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions is obtainable from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s website .

The Singapore Ministry of Health’s website contains helpful health information and the latest updates on the COVID-19 situation in Singapore.

Local time, business hours, and holidays:

Singapore is twelve hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Savings or thirteen hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Normal business hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Government of Singapore agencies and many private sector companies are closed for business on Saturday. Shops are generally open every day from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

* U.S. Embassy Singapore will observe local and American holidays that fall on a Saturday the preceding Friday and local and American holidays that fall on a Sunday the following Monday.

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings

Goods may be temporarily imported under the Temporary Import Scheme for a period of six months and for purposes such as repairs, testing and stage performances, auctions, displays, exhibitions or other similar events without the payment of duty and/or GST. A banker’s guarantee or insurance bond is required under the Temporary Import Scheme. The temporary imports are covered by a Customs Inward Permit or a Carnet. Goods temporarily imported must be re-exported within the prescribed period using a Customs Export permit. GST must be paid if the goods are not subsequently re-exported. The procedures governing such importation can be found at the website of Singapore Customs .

Singapore won best first-class airline in the world for its exclusive hotel-like Airbus A380 suite. Here's what it's like inside.

Posted: June 27, 2024 | Last updated: June 27, 2024

Singapore Airlines won the 2024 Skytrax award for the world's best first-class service.
The airline's Airbus A380 planes sport a hotel-like suites that can convert into double rooms.
The suite-equipped superjumbos only fly to a select number of cities, but not the US.

Singapore Airlines is heralded as one of the most luxurious carriers in the world, earning loyalty for its nice cabins, attentive flight attendants, and reliable operation.

It fought Doha-based competitor Qatar Airways for Skytrax's 2024 title of world's best airline, winning in 2023 but losing to Qatar this year.

However, one Skytrax awards category Singapore has consistently won since 2018 is Best First Class for the hotel-like suites on its Airbus A380s.

Although some travelers savvy enough with points may snag a seat, the exclusive cabin is widely booked by deep-pocket business and leisure passengers, as roundtrip tickets can cost up to $30,000.

Singapore Airlines flies an Airbus A380 between New York and Singapore via Frankfurt, Germany. <a>Vytautas Kielaitis/Shutterstock</a>

First launched in 2017, Singapore's A380 first-class suite is about as close as one can get to flying private on a commercial jetliner.

The old first class featured 12 seats on the A380's upper deck, but the retrofit halved that.

Six next-generation suites, providing up to 100 square feet of living space, are now available on each of its in-service superjumbos.

<p>The staircase clearly demonstrates the exclusivity of the fancy suites, and passengers will be welcomed by dedicated crew members specially trained to work first class.</p>

The suites are accessible by a grand staircase at the front of the plane.

The staircase clearly demonstrates the exclusivity of the fancy suites, and passengers will be welcomed by dedicated crew members specially trained to work first class.

<p>Privacy is among the most requested amenities from customers for premium cabins. Carriers like Air India and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/british-airways-club-suite-business-class-london-nyc-review-photos-2024-3">British Airways have recently added doors to their business class</a>. American Airlines hopes to launch its new door-equipped Flagship cabin later this year.</p><p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/emirates-airlines-first-class-flight-review-lie-flat-bed-shower-2023-4">Emirates announced first-class suites</a> with sliding doors in 2017, shortly after Singapore's own launch.</p>

Six mini hotel rooms are separated by tall walls, each with a full sliding door.

Privacy is among the most requested amenities from customers for premium cabins. Carriers like Air India and British Airways have recently added doors to their business class . American Airlines hopes to launch its new door-equipped Flagship cabin later this year.

Meanwhile, Emirates announced first-class suites with sliding doors in 2017, shortly after Singapore's own launch.

Instead of the lie-flat bed common in business class, Singapore's suites have a separate chair and bed.

The bed folds out of the partition between cabins and can be set up by the crew members.

In 2017, Singapore Airlines also announced it would spend $850 million on a new generation of first-class suites for its fleet of Airbus A380s.

Singapore's plush reclining chair has various positions for dining, working, and watching TV.

It can swivel to a desk facing out the window or at the television, and the tables are huge, with more than enough space for a laptop.

<p>UAE-based <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/etihad-airways-first-class-apartment-family-travel-points-worth-it-2024-5">Etihad Airways' private first-class rooms</a> are similarly luxurious, with a separate chair and couch to create that "apartment"-like feel.</p><p>The couch flips into a bed, and the top half can open to an adjoining pod.</p>

Competitor Etihad Airways' A380 First Class Apartments have the same design — but without a key perk that sets Singapore apart.

UAE-based Etihad Airways' private first-class rooms are similarly luxurious, with a separate chair and couch to create that "apartment"-like feel.

The couch flips into a bed, and the top half can open to an adjoining pod.

While Etihad's apartment beds can half-connect, Singapore can fully combine two suites into one.

Singapore designed the six suites to convert some into double rooms with space for two people by dropping the partition.

This means customers will get two recliners, two televisions, double the storage, and a full-sized bed.

Qatar Airways QSuite business class has a similar design but without the hotel-style privacy and space.

Qatar revolutionized business class with sliding doors and its convertable lie-flat beds that combine two into one.

The QSuite cabin also offers quad seating, so four people can dine or meet.

In addition to the niche perk that helped win the Skytrax award, the suites also feature a 32-inch television with thousands of titles.

A remote is available to control the television, and customers can select from almost any genre of movie or show.

There are also games and music to enjoy.

A small vanity sits along the fuselage and includes a mirror and toiletries.

Customers will get the expected amenity kit with things like lotion and dental items.

By the mirror is a tablet that controls things like lighting and adjustable window shades.

<p>Customers shouldn't have any issue finding a place for their stuff — and the closet is likely especially helpful to business passengers flying with a suit.</p>

Drawers, cubbies, a hanging closet, and various other little nooks are available for storage.

Customers shouldn't have any issue finding a place for their stuff — and the closet is likely especially helpful to business passengers flying with a suit.

Outside the suite, customers can freshen up in one of the two giant lavatories reserved for first-class.

The two lavatories sit at the front of the cabin on either side of the staircase, though one is larger than the other.

Six people will be sharing two bathrooms, which is a much better ratio than in economy.

Passengers will find a vanity, toilet, toiletries, a baby-changing station, and a full-sized mirror in each restroom.

The vanity in the smaller lavatory is connected to the sink, though the one in the larger bathroom is separate with its own chair and mirror.

It sits between the toilet and the sink as a divider, which makes the space feel even bigger.

<p>Unlike Emirates and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/etihad-airbus-a380-plane-see-inside-economy-business-first-class-2024">Etihad's first-class showers</a>, Singapore does not include one because carrying the water would be a costly added weight.</p>

The bathrooms do not feature a shower, though.

Unlike Emirates and Etihad's first-class showers , Singapore does not include one because carrying the water would be a costly added weight.

Those hoping to experience the world's best first-class have just a few places to catch a ride — but none are in the US.

Cirium data shows Singapore flies its A380s on select routes between Changi and Asia, Europe, and Australia.

These include flying to Mumbai, Delhi, Frankfurt, London, Shanghai, and Sydney. The US fell off the list last year.

Singapore used to fly its A380 to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport via Germany but replaced it with a Boeing 777-300ER in May 2023.

The plane change cut capacity in half as Singapore found more revenue opportunity flying the mammoth plane to Australia instead.

However, the jet still has first-class — albeit not as bougie. Nor does it meet the luxury of rival top-notch first-class A380 cabins that fly to the US, such as Etihad and Emirates.

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Singapore firms agree to advise on operations of Clark food hub

THE Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) said on Tuesday that it has entered into a technical assistance agreement with Singapore companies specializing in agricultural financing, sourcing and procurement to assist in setting up the proposed National Food Hub.

In a statement, the CIAC identified the companies as a unit of Food Starter Pte. Ltd., an agricultural financing and farm incubator group, and the World Food Chain Pte. Ltd., a global food procurement company serving food and beverage businesses.

“This most recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) advances our efforts to start developing a food hub ecosystem aggregator that will ensure sustainable food security solutions,” according to Arrey A. Perez, president of CIAC.

“The partnership is the right move at the right time, as it guarantees a modernization of the national food hub, and that we’ll be able to address key challenges in its operation, maintenance, and sustainability,” he added.

The CIAC is planning to build the 62-hectare Clark National Food Hub project, which is estimated to cost P8.5 billion.

It aims to establish modern agro-logistics systems, raise food safety standards, and provide opportunities for Philippine farmers and fishermen.

According to Mr. Perez, its partners, under the MoU, will provide technical and advisory assistance on transport, trade and warehousing.

The food hub is part of the Public Investment Program for 2023–2028, having been approved by the National Economic and Development Authority.

To be located near the Clark International Airport, the hub will have easy access to cargo companies such as FedEx and UPS, major road networks, and an upcoming cargo railway. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

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STB works closely with industry players to strengthen Singapore’s position as a leading Attractions destination through the creation of high impact, diverse and original experiences. Its key focus areas are the development of new attractions and the rejuvenation of existing attractions, with an emphasis on delivering engaging and emotional experiences. The attractions team also seeks greater collaboration and partnership with the attractions industry locally and internationally, tapping into the expertise across attraction owners, concept developers, master planners and other attractions specialists to create a strong attractions industry in Singapore.

Attractions remain a core industry within the tourism sector, bringing about indirect economic benefits and creating demand for other tourism-related sectors such as accommodation, retail and dining.

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For more information, please contact the Attractions team at [email protected] .

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What industry does your organization fall within, what best describes the key intent of the project that your organisation is seeking funding for, is your organisation a singapore-registered legal entity, is your organisation an association, is the project able to achieve one or more of the following outcome.

Increase no. of sailings to/from Singapore
Increase no. of foreign cruise passengers to Singapore through sailings to/from Singapore
Increase no. of pre/post nights for cruise passengers sailing to/from Singapore
Increase capability of industry players via cruise-specific industry training programmes
Strengthen the potential/ attractiveness of cruising in Singapore and/or Southeast Asia

Is the project able to achieve one or more of the following?

Improve visitor satisfaction (especially foreign visitors)
Increase footfall
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Is the project able to attract foreign visitors and contribute to foreign visitors' spend?

Who will be the main target audience of your project, is your project innovative and/or a new event in singapore with tourism potential, what best describes your project, does the event have proven track records in singapore or overseas, and/or growth in tourism value such as growing foreign visitorship, and/or enhancement of precinct vibrancy etc, does the project have a clear tourism focus (e.g. tourism-related trainings, tourism companies taking on capability development initiatives or technology companies creating technology products and services for the tourism businesses), what best describes your market feasibility study project.

Based on your selection, the following STB grant/s may be applicable for your project:

Please note that projects that have commenced prior to Singapore Tourism Board's offer may not be eligible for grant support. Examples where projects are deemed as having commenced include:

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These are the best airlines in the world, according to a survey of travelers — see the full list

Airline ratings company Skytrax has released its 2024 list of the best airlines in the world.
Qatar Airways took the top spot from Singapore Airlines, 2023's winner.
No airlines from the US made it in the top 20.

Qatar Airways has reclaimed the title of best airline in the world after losing out in 2023, according to travel industry rating company Skytrax.

Skytrax announced the results of the World Airline Awards, which polled travelers from over 100 countries on their impressions of more than 350 airlines, at a gala on Monday in London.

Once again, airlines from Asia and the Middle East dominated the awards, sweeping the top six spots and taking 12 of the top 20.

European carriers accounted for seven of the top 20 spots, with Turkish Airlines ranked highest in seventh.

No airlines from the US made the top 20 after Delta Air Lines fell one spot in this year's rankings to 21st. Delta was one of only two US airlines to crack the top 50, with United in 42nd.

Here's a closer look at the 20 best airlines in the world for 2024 according to Skytrax:

20. Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines)

Saudia , which changed its name from Saudi Arabian Airlines last year, jumped up three spots to finish 20th in this year's rankings.

Saudia is Saudi Arabia's flag carrier and is a member of the Sky Team alliance. It's also one of the few major airlines in the world the not serve any alcohol on board its flights.

19. Etihad Airways

Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways fell six spots in this year's rankings but managed to stay in the top 20 at 19th.

Etihad reintroduced its Airbus A380 fleet and its luxurious The Residence suite after a four year hiatus.

18. Lufthansa

Lufthansa jumped three spots to 18 this year. The German national airline is a member of the Star Alliance and recently introduced its first new aircraft with the long-awaited Allegris cabin .

17. Virgin Atlantic Airways

Virgin Atlantic jumped up five spots to 17th in this year's rankings. The British carrier, co-owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Delta Air Lines, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its founding this year.

16. Vistara

Vistara is ranked 16th for the second consecutive year and remains India's top airline. The carrier, founded in 2013 as a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, is in the process of merging with Air India .

Spain's Iberia fell one spot to 15th in this year's rankings. The Spanish national carrier is an Oneworld alliance member alongside its International Airlines Group sibling, British Airways.

14. Fiji Airways

Fiji Airways moved up one spot this year to 14th. Fiji Airways is now Oceania's only representative in the top 20 after Air New Zealand fell to 23rd this year.

13. British Airways

British Airways moved up five spots in the rankings to 13th place. BA is the highest-ranked of the International Airlines Group (IAG) carriers, which also include Iberia (15th), Aer Lingus (49th), and Vueling (56th).

British Airways also won this year's award for the world's most family friendly airline.

12. Hainan Airlines

Hainan Airlines dropped one spot to 12th this year. Hainan has consistently been China's highest-rated carrier and the only one of the country's four major airlines not owned by the Chinese central government.

11. Korean Air

Korean Air slipped one spot to 11th place this year. South Korea's largest airline is still awaiting final approval from the US government for its proposed merger with Asiana, which was announced in late 2020.

10. Swiss International Air Lines

Swiss International Airlines jumped two spots in the 2024 ranking to 10th place. Swiss, founded in 2002 following Swissair's bankruptcy, is the highest-ranking member of the Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa (18th), Austrian (28th), and Eurowings (70th).

9. Air France

Air France slipped two spots to 9th place this year despite winning a host of awards, including the world's best first-class catering, best first-class lounge dining, and best airline in Western Europe.

Taiwanese carrier EVA Air moved up one spot to 8th this year. The carrier is a subsidiary of container shipping giant Evergreen Group.

7. Turkish Airlines

In seventh place is Turkish Airlines . It's once again Europe's highest-ranked airline.

6. Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines dropped one spot to sixth this year. The Japanese flag carrier also won this year's award for the world's best premium economy cabin.

5. Cathay Pacific Airways

Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific moved into the top five this year, up from eighth position in 2023. Cathay also took home the prize for this year's best economy-class cabin.

4. All Nippon Airways (ANA)

All Nippon Airways or ANA fell one spot to fourth place this year. Despite that, the Japanese carrier managed to snag awards for the world's best airport services and the best airline staff service in Asia.

3. Emirates

Dubai's Emirates Airline moves into the top 3 this year after spending 2023 in fourth position. Emirates remains the world's largest operator of the A380 Superjumbo, with more than 100 in its fleet.

2. Singapore Airlines

After spending 2023 as the world's best airline, Singapore Airlines is back in second place, a position it also held in 2022 and 2021. Second place is nothing to scoff at. The airline also picked up honors for the world's best cabin staff and the world's best first-class cabin.

1. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways takes the No. 1 spot again after falling second behind Singapore Airlines last year. It's a familiar position for the airline, which also claimed top honors in 2022, 2021, and 2019.

This year, Qatar Airways also won awards for the best business class cabin and lounge.

Main content

Business | Hyundai’s Supernal and Embraer-backed Eve Air…

Business | Hyundai’s Supernal and Embraer-backed Eve Air Mobility see future in electric-powered air taxis

As the aviation sector seeks ways to make air travel less polluting and more sustainable, aerospace company embraer and south korean automaker hyundai are among the companies betting on a new form of air travel -– air taxis.

Hyundai's Supernal's CEO Shin Jaiwon speaks to The Associated Press during an interview along the Singapore Airshow in Singapore, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. As the aviation sector seeks ways to make air travel less polluting and more sustainable, aerospace company Embraer and South Korean automaker Hyundai are among the companies betting on a new form of air travel, air taxis. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Hyundai’s Supernal and Embraer-backed Eve Air Mobility are developing electric aircraft that take off and land vertically. The idea is that such air taxis might provide a sustainable form of air transport for densely populated cities and areas with less developed public transport networks.

Experts say they could help offset carbon emissions from the traditional aviation sector, but there are plenty of technological and regulatory challenges to making air taxis commercially viable.

Falling battery prices, advancements in technology and the participation of big players like Hyundai mean that such aircraft could soon be a reality, experts say.

Hyundai’s advanced air mobility unit Supernal and Embraer-backed Eve Air Mobility hope to officially launch electric-powered air taxis within the next two to four years.

“Ground transportation is evolving and improving, but to support all the mobility demands of … people in urban areas, ground transport will not be sufficient,” Supernal’s CEO Shin Jaiwon said in an interview. “We have to open the skies above the cities.”

Supernal’s S-A2 electric aircraft, equipped with eight rotors, is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers. The battery-powered air taxi will have a range of about 25 to 40 miles and will be able to take off and land vertically. It’s similar to a helicopter, but quieter and more sustainable in that it can help offset carbon emissions generated from traditional air travel, Shin said.

Supernal plans to test its first full-scale technology demonstration version in California this year and is in contact with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the E.U’s aviation safety agency about policies and certification issues.

Earlier this week, Supernal and Singapore’s civil aviation authorities and officials in economic development formed a partnership to jointly develop the advanced air mobility sector in terms of research and regulatory frameworks.

Brazilian firm Eve Air Mobility, a spin-off of the third-largest aircraft manufacturer Embrarer, also is testing and developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft which it hopes to launch by 2026.

Like Supernal’s S-A2, the Eve Air Mobility’s aircraft is also expected to carry between four to six passengers with a range of 60 miles, without generating any local carbon emissions.

Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility, says that the electric-powered aircraft could a new alternative for getting around in cities or areas lacking good public transport but they’re not replacements for traditional aircraft.

“We’re going to be putting more people in the air, we’re giving an alternative -– just like electric vehicles are on the ground in 2D, we want to make sure that we can make the same thing that happens but in 3D,” Bordais said.

Air taxis are just one of many ways that the aviation sector is considering to improve sustainability. Airlines are moving toward using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel made from renewable sources, with the industry aiming for net zero emissions by 2050. Aviation firms are also designing more fuel-efficient aircraft and engines.

The effort also requires regulatory changes.

“For the aviation industry to really take off in a sustainable manner, we have to look at how government policies can help create a conducive environment for new technologies and industries to take shape on a global level,” said Mabel Kwan, managing director of Alton Aviation Consultancy.

For now, the air taxi industry and other forms of air mobility still have hurdles to cross, such as the battery costs, devising new regulatory and safety frameworks for such travel, and certifying such aircraft.

With suitable regulatory changes, the technology has developed to the point, however, where air taxis are feasible, said Brendan Sobie, an independent aviation analyst based in Singapore.

“There’s the feasibility of operating in various environments, various air spaces, various cities and urban environments,” said Brendan Sobie.

Supernal’s Shin acknowledged that battery costs are still high for vehicles like air taxis.

“However, as battery technologies continue to improve and further develop over time, we believe that manufacturing will also be improved and developed, so the overall cost of making such vehicles will be going down,” he said.

Supernal can tap into Hyundai’s know-how and mass production capabilities to achieve high quality and bring down the costs of making its air taxis, Shin said.

Eve Air Mobility’s Bordais was also upbeat, saying his company can draw on Embraer’s decades of certifying and manufacturing aircraft.

“We know what we’re doing, we’ve done it,” he said.

“We don’t want to be the first one. We want to be the right one,” Bordais said. “We’re here for the long run. You’ll see these (aircraft) flying around in 2026.”

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