New Initiatives and Strategies Aim to Strengthen Singapore’s Tourism Industry
Singapore’s tourism receipts for 2023 reached S$27.2 billion, surpassing earlier projections and nearing the pre-pandemic figures of 2019. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, announced on May 10 that this growth exceeded expectations, with tourism receipts only slightly below 2019’s S$27.7 billion.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has optimistic forecasts, projecting between 15 million and 16.5 million international visitors and tourism receipts of up to S$29 billion—a potential new record. As of April, Singapore had welcomed 5.7 million tourists, with Malaysia, Germany, Australia, and the UK leading the recovery. Notably, arrivals from China had rebounded to 80% of pre-pandemic levels.
Fu outlined a multi-faceted approach for continued growth, which includes developing new infrastructure, fostering strategic partnerships, and focusing on leadership development in the tourism industry. Significant projects such as a wellness attraction near Marina Barrage and an experiential Porsche center in Changi are expected to boost tourism offerings.
Additionally, STB plans to enhance the Tourism Sustainability Programme, helping businesses achieve sustainability certifications and improve carbon management. The agency is also launching initiatives like the Tourism Leadership Programme (TLP) and a new licensing course for aspiring tour guides to upskill workers and bolster industry competitiveness.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Singapore’s tourism industry remains competitive in the global market.
