Singapore is expecting to welcome between 12 million and 14 million international visitor arrivals in 2023, more than double the 6.3 million who arrived in 2022 and closing in on three-quarters of the 19.1 million people who visited in 2019, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said Tuesday.
Tourism receipts are also expected to reach between SG$18 billion and SG$21 billion, up from the SG$13.8 billion to SG$14.3 billion in receipts estimated in 2022.
The STB said it expects the tourism sector to “continue its growth momentum” on the back of increasing flight connectivity and capacity as well as China’s recent reopening.
“To sustain our growth in 2023 and beyond, we will expand our partnerships, build up a rich year-round calendar of events, ramp up investment in new and refreshed products and experiences and continue to support industry efforts to build the capabilities they need to meet consumer demands,” said STB CEO Keith Tan.
The agency also revealed it expects tourism activity to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024.
Recapping its 2022 recovery trajectory, the STB pointed to marquee events like the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix as major demand drivers, while the MICE and cruise industries also picked up pace. Singapore boarded 1.2 million cruise passengers in 2022, around two-thirds of 2019 levels.
Meanwhile, citywide hotel occupancy reached 79.1% – not too far shy of 2019’s 87.3% – with average room rates up 17% to SG$260.
“Our 2022 tourism performance underscores Singapore’s appeal as a leading business and leisure destination for post-pandemic travellers,” said Tan.
