Content Writer: Janice Chew • Thursday, 26/02/2026 - 13:35:14 - PM
Singapore Tourism Board has reported an all-time record US$18.8 billion in tourism receipts for the first nine months of 2025, underscoring Singapore’s powerful post-pandemic rebound and its positioning as Asia’s premier premium travel hub. The figure already surpasses full-year performances from previous peak years, highlighting strong recovery momentum across leisure, business, and high-value visitor segments.
The surge was driven by higher-spending visitors and longer average stays, with accommodation, shopping, and food & beverage emerging as the biggest contributors. According to industry data and regional travel analysts, Singapore has benefited disproportionately from pent-up demand for premium urban destinations, supported by seamless air connectivity through Changi Airport and the city’s reputation for safety, efficiency, and high-quality experiences. Major attractions and integrated resorts such as Marina Bay Sands also played a central role in drawing affluent regional and long-haul travellers.
A notable trend behind the record receipts is the shift toward quality over volume. While visitor arrivals continue to rise steadily, tourism growth in 2025 has been disproportionately led by premium segments — including MICE travellers, luxury leisure tourists, and entertainment-driven visitors attending large-scale concerts and global events. Analysts note that Singapore’s strategy of anchoring tourism around world-class events, lifestyle offerings and high-end retail has translated directly into stronger per-capita spend, rather than relying solely on mass arrivals.
Looking ahead, industry watchers expect momentum to continue into 2026, supported by a robust calendar of international events, expanding cruise and aviation capacity, and sustained demand from key source markets such as China, India, Southeast Asia and Australia. The record US$18.8 billion figure not only reinforces Singapore’s status as a top-tier global destination, but also signals the success of its long-term tourism strategy focused on resilience, diversification, and high-value growth rather than cyclical volume alone.