Singapore’s tourism receipts fall despite increased arrivals
Singapore's visitor arrivals grew 0.9 percent to 15.2 million in 2015, however, the increase in visitors didn't bring in more income, said the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in its annual report.
Singapore (VNA) - Singapore's visitor arrꦦivals gre🐟w 0.9 percent to 15.2 million in 2015, however, the increase in visitors didn't bring in more income, said the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in its annual report released on January 29.
The total tourism receipts declined by 6.8 percent to 15.7 billion USD largely due to a decline in BTMICE (business trips, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) visitor arrivals and less spending by those coming from Indonesia, Australia and Malaysia.
This mixed performance came on the back of various headwinds such as an uncertain global economic outlook and weak currencies in some of Singapore's top source markets.
Notably, arrivals from Indonesia – Singapore’s largest market hit 2.7 million, down 10 percent. Meanwhile, Chinese arrivals - the second largest source of Singapore, grew 22 percent but their spending fell 5 percent from 2014.
The top growth markets for visitor arrivals were Taiwan (China) (+ 22 percent), India (+7 percent), the Republic of Korea (+7 percent).
Japan and the UK led the growth markets for tourism receipts with a respective increase of 6 percent and 4 percent.
STB forecast tourism receipts to be in the range of 15.7 - 16 billion USD and international visitor arrivals in the range of 15.2 million to 15.7 million in 2016.-VNA
International tourist arrivals to Singapore in the first half of this year fell by 2.8 percent year-on-year to 7.5 million, mainly due to a decline in the number of Chinese visitors.
In the first half of this year, Singapore received 7.5 million international visitors, down by 3 percent compared to the same period last year, with tourism revenue growing by 2 percent year-on-year to 11.8 billion SGD (roughly 9,4 billion USD).
The Singaporean Government has recently announced a financial package of 20 million SGD (over 15 million USD) to implement a series of measures globally in an effort to draw international tourists to the island.
This year’s Singapore Food Festival, its biggest one yet, is held from July 20 to August 2, featuring 13 gastronomic events across the country, according to the Singapore Tourism Board.
Vietnamese tourists are welcomed in Singapore , as confirmed by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in a letter recently sent to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Singapore’s top tourism official is optimistic about meeting the year’s target of drawing between 15.1 - 15.5 million tourists despite a decrease of arrivals in the first seven months of the year.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Singapore (Source: glogster.com)
