Singapore’s resilient tourism faces challenges

Singapore’s  MICE industry continues to demonstrate robust growth.

In 2025, MICE tourism receipts grew by more than 35% from 2024, reaching SGD2.3 billion.

This year, STB projects SGD31 to SGD32.5 billion in tourism receipts and 17 to 18 million in international visitor arrivals, while recognising that the ongoing tensions in the Middle East pose unprecedented challenges to the tourism industry.

“Our tourism businesses are under strain from the crisis, and global uncertainty will persist. While visitor arrivals held up in the first quarter with a 3% year- on-year growth, we expect muted demand in the months ahead,” the STB CEO cautioned. 

In the year ahead, STB will intensify efforts to strengthen sector performance and resilience through the three pillars of Tourism 2040:

• Cultivating future Demand to seize high-growth opportunities;
• Creating an attractive Destination, as we push ahead with new initiatives to strengthen tourism products and experiences;
• Advance the development of a future-ready tourism sector.

She noted: “The SGD740 million tranche of the Tourism Development Fund will enable industry partners to pursue opportunities under these three pillars.”

Cultivating future demand

Singapore remains a vital air hub, maintaining strong connectivity to key visitor markets, including China, Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, India, and beyond.

“Market diversification is a priority. We are establishing new flight connections to Palembang and Belitung in Indonesia; West Sydney, Newcastle and Sunshine Coast in Australia; and Dalian in China.” Ow noted

In 2026, Singapore’s hotel landscape welcomes new additions and transformations.

TUI Hotels & Resorts will debut in Singapore with Asia’s first The Mora property. Other new hotel openings include Asia’s largest Mövenpick hotel; Varel  Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel; and the newly rejuvenated Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore. 

(Source: Singapore Tourism Board)