Singapore Sees Higher Tourism Spend Despite Slower Visitor Growth
Singapore’s tourism picture is shifting. While the country welcomed fewer international visitors in the latest period, total tourism receipts rose above 2019 levels. The key story is not the number of tourists but the way they spend their money — with more being directed toward dining, experiences, and other non-shopping activities.
According to a report from the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s Economics Division, the mix of visitor spending is evolving. Fewer arrivals combined with higher per-person spend in certain categories is translating to stronger overall receipts. In practice, this means travelers are prioritizing culinary adventures, tours, nightlife, and cultural activities, while shopping has cooled off as a share of the total.
Where the Money Is Going: Dining and Experiences
Dining has become a major growth driver for Singapore’s tourism receipts. The city-state is renowned for its food scene, and visitors are embracing everything from hawker staples to fine dining experiences. This shift reflects a broader trend among travelers who seek immersive, locally inspired experiences as part of their trip. Restaurants, cafes, and food-centric experiences contribute a significant portion of spend and help push total receipts higher even with fewer tourists.
Beyond food, entertainment and sightseeing tours are another major component of higher spending. Visitors are investing in guided experiences, cultural performances, and curated itineraries that offer deeper engagement with Singapore’s neighborhoods, heritage, and modern attractions. These experiences often carry a premium, contributing to the overall tourism revenue without requiring a jump in visitor volume.
What This Means for the Tourism Economy
The shift from volume to value can be a sign of resilience. A smaller footfall, paired with higher average spend, may help sustain tourism-related sectors such as hospitality, food and beverage, and tour operators. It also indicates diversification in the visitor base’s preferences, with a growing expectation for quality experiences over quantity of purchases.
For policymakers, the trend underscores the importance of sustaining a robust ecosystem of dining, culture, and entertainment offerings. Investments in training, venue standards, and safety can bolster visitors’ willingness to spend more per trip. In addition, marketing strategies that highlight Singapore’s culinary strengths and unique experiences can continue to attract travelers who value memorable, differentiated experiences over traditional shopping incentives.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Between Numbers and Experience
While lower tourist arrivals can pose challenges for retail and accommodation sectors, the accompanying rise in per-visitor spend can offset some of that impact. The Ministry’s data suggest that the receipts from tourism remain robust, potentially reflecting a longer average stay or higher expenditure per day.
Industry stakeholders are likely to focus on sustaining momentum by offering new dining concepts, seasonal culinary events, and exclusive experiences that appeal to both long-haul visitors and regional travelers. Collaboration across transport, hospitality, and cultural institutions can reinforce Singapore’s reputation as a destination where quality experiences are the primary draw.
Bottom Line: Value Over Volume
The latest figures reinforce a valuable lesson for tourism economies: visitors’ spending patterns matter as much as, if not more than, the sheer number of arrivals. In Singapore’s case, a strategy centered on dining excellence, curated experiences, and distinctive city-life moments is helping to keep tourism receipts above pre-pandemic levels while visitor counts remain subdued.
As the sector adapts, tourists can expect more immersive food-focused experiences, more guided tours that reveal hidden gems, and a rising profile for Singapore as a destination where spending translates into memorable, high-quality moments rather than mere shopping trips.
