Overview: Fewer Visitors, Stronger Spending
Singapore’s tourism landscape is shifting. Official data show that the country welcomed fewer international visitors in recent quarters, yet total tourism receipts have rebounded to levels above those seen in 2019. The key driver isn’t more people but more money spent per visitor—particularly on dining, experiences, and other non-shopping categories.
This trend suggests a fundamental change in traveler behavior as visitors prioritize food, culture, and activities that provide a richer, more immersive stay. While shopping accounted for a sizable share of pre-pandemic tourism revenue, today’s visitors are placing greater value on experiences that showcase Singapore’s diverse dining scene, vibrant nightlife, and world-class attractions.
Why Receipts Are Rising Despite A Decline in Arrivals
Several factors explain the higher per-visitor spend. A stronger and more resilient tourism economy means prices for tours, museums, and fine dining have held firm, even as global travel recovers slowly. Additionally, visitors from regional markets often travel in shorter durations but allocate larger budgets to distinctive experiences—think guided culinary tours, private tastings, or curated neighborhood explorations that offer deeper immersion than typical sightseeing days.
Another contributor is Singapore’s ongoing push to diversify its tourism mix. Rather than relying primarily on international shoppers, the city-state has invested in experiences that attract high-value travelers. This includes premium hospitality, exclusive dining concepts, and immersive cultural programming that command premium prices and encourage longer stays.
Where the Money Is Going: Dining, Experiences, and Luxury
Among the fastest-moving components of tourism receipts are dining and experiential activities. Restaurants in central districts and vibrant neighborhoods have reported robust weekend demand, with visitors willing to spend on tasting menus, wine pairings, and multi-course experiences. Food markets, hawker centers, and street-food tours also remain a hallmark of Singapore’s culinary appeal, though their role in receipts is increasingly complemented by high-end experiences and private, personalized itineraries.
Beyond food, experiences—from curated tours through historic districts to tickets for performing arts and nature-based adventures—now account for a larger slice of tourism revenue. Even as some shoppers cut back on retail expenditures, travelers are choosing to invest in memorable moments that can be shared and remembered long after their trip ends.
Implications for Tourism Policy and Local Businesses
For policymakers, the shift signals the importance of sustaining a robust experiences-led offering while maintaining reasonable price points that appeal to a broad international audience. Investments in hospitality training, safety standards, and accessible cultural programming can help maintain Singapore’s competitive edge in a crowded regional market.
Local businesses, especially those in F&B and tour services, can capitalize on the trend by packaging value-driven experiences. This could include tiered dining experiences, exclusive neighborhood tours, and seasonally themed events that align with global demand for authentic and high-quality experiences. Collaborations between hotels, restaurants, and cultural institutions can create seamless itineraries that increase average spend without adversely impacting visitor numbers.
What This Means for Travelers
For travelers, the current landscape implies a strategic shift in planning. Rather than focusing solely on shopping, visitors may find greater value in a well-rounded itinerary that balances culinary delights, cultural exploration, and experiential activities. This approach often yields richer memories and can be more cost-effective than trying to cover multiple destinations at once.
Looking Ahead
As Singapore continues to recover from the pandemic-era shock, the trajectory of tourism receipts will depend on how well the city-state sustains high-impact experiences while supporting a broad base of visitors. If the current pattern persists, Singapore will likely see a continued rise in spend per traveler, even as total arrivals remain modest by pre-COVID standards.
Bottom Line
Singapore’s tourism story is evolving. Fewer tourists are visiting, but they are spending more—especially on dining and curated experiences—pushing total receipts above 2019 levels. For the city-state, the path forward lies in nurturing varied, high-quality experiences that resonate with international travelers seeking value, authenticity, and memorable moments.
