Singapore

Agoda ranked the top 5 most-searched activities on its platform, Hong Kong Disneyland took the top spot, followed by Universal Studios Singapore and Gardens by the Bay, Singapore; Aquaria KLCC, Malaysia; and Tokyo Skytree, Japan

The Second Finance Minister said the economic risk, such as immediate financial and property losses from extreme weather events, to supply chain disruptions, is becoming increasingly relevant to Singapore. But she added that there are opportunities in Singapore’s financial and professional ecosystem. She said this during the opening of the NUS’ Sustainable and Green Finance Institute’s (SGFIN) Sustainability Summit 2026 on 12 Mar. She added that there are opportunities for legal firms, accountants, and consultants to navigate sustainability regulations, ensure robust climate data reporting, and advise on green financing structures. Over $70 billion USD in economic losses were reported across the Asia Pacific in 2025 alone due to extreme weather events such as floods and typhoons. She also said that Singapore is vulnerable to external shocks and supply chain disruptions, since the country import 90% of its food supply. By the end of the 21st century, the average sea level around Singapore is projected to increase by 5m, and the daily temperature could increase by up to 5.3 deg C

Singapore Tourism Board and Scoot have introduced the 3rd edition of the Singapore Superfans campaign, placing the Merlion as the central character to promote Singapore to several markets. The campaign is part of the “We Don’t Wait For Fun campaign,” targeting visitors aged 25 to 39, and it will run in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia from 12 Mar. There will be a social media challenge, titled “#MerlionMadeMeDoIt”, where key opinion leaders from each market will invite audiences to suggest new photo locations in Singapore beyond the Merlion. Selected entries will get trips to Singapore with a value of $3,500 SGD, which includes flights, accommodation, and curated experiences. Scoot will offer promotional fares from 20-27 Mar in the participating markets

218 Singaporeans and their family arrived in Singapore from Saudi Arabia in the first repatriation flight operated by Singapore Air Force on 11 Mar. The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) are planning for a second repatriation flight from Saudi Arabia, which is planned on 12 Mar. The Prime Minister said they deployed Air Force aircraft for the locations that weren’t accessible through commercial flights. MINDEF said Saudi Arabian airspace remains open and necessary diplomatic clearances were received for the flights. Singapore also launched 2 repatriation flights from Muscat, Oman. Those who were in Oman and the UAE, where 60% of Singaporeans registered with MFA, arrived home via Singapore Airlines flights

Singapore EXPO received GOLD certification under the Events Industry Council (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards for the second time in a row, for its sustainability initiatives and renewable energy use. Singapore EXPO hosted more than 6 million visitors and approximately 600 events annually

Singapore Tourism Authority launched a new campaign, "We don't wait for fun", targeting the MZ (young) generation in South Korea. Director of North Asia at the Singapore Tourism Board said they hope to see young South Korean tourists, “who are trend-sensitive and pursue various values in their travels, will discover Singapore” through this campaign

The Australasian Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) was held in Singapore on 10 Mar. Due to conflict in West Asia, which will take time to recover, many are interested in investing in the hospitality industry, especially in Southeast Asia. Since 2023, the region has been attracting $10.1 billion USD in investment volumes

Hot spots were detected in Johor, Malaysia, on 10 Mar, which could bring smoke haze to Singapore in the coming days, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA). As of 9pm on 10 Mar, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ranged between 52-59 within the moderate range

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) warned of expected heavy traffic at the land checkpoints from 13-22 Mar, ahead of school holidays and Hari Raya Puasa weekend. ICA will increase the security at the border following the conflict in the Middle East. From 13-19 Feb, during the Chinese New Year period, 3 million travellers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, with a peak of 565,000 crossings recorded on 13 Feb. Car travellers during peak hour could wait up to 3 hours for immigration clearance, due to traffic tailback from Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Singapore’s tourism receipts are projected to reach a record $31-$32.5 billion in 2026. Smaller and independent venues like the Jigger & Pony Group and large-scale rooftop restaurant and bar are willing to invest a large amount of money to target young spenders. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has identified MICE organisers and attendees, families with children, those in early or established in their careers, and active seniors as the primary focus for quality tourism

The warmer-than-usual season from Mar-May in Southeast Asia could increase power demand for fuel and strain grids as energy supplies have tightened in the Middle East. The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) announced there are 80% to 100% chance of above-normal temperatures in Indonesia and Malaysia. Parts of Thailand and northern Vietnam will see high temperatures as well. Southeastern Vietnam, Cambodia, and parts of the Philippines are expected to experience normal temperatures. Supply for LNG cargoes dropped after the major supplier Qatar stopped its largest export facility following the war

CDL Hospitality Trusts (CDLHT) is looking ahead to a positive hospitality market in Singapore after posting 5 consecutive quarters of YoY drop in net property income (NPI) due to extensive renovations of 3 hotels and high interest rates. Refurbishments for the W Hotel in Sentosa Cove, Grand Millennium Auckland, and Ibis Perth were completed in 2025. The Disney Adventure, with a capacity of 6,700 passengers, is expected to boost pre- and post-boarding demand for hotels in Singapore. The CEO of CDLHT said the global uncertainties made MICE organisers be selective in choosing destinations, and this will benefit stable cities like Singapore. Singapore accounts for 62% of CDLHT’s $3.4 billion portfolio value and 59.4% of NPI in 2025. The group will acquire the Moxy Singapore Clarke Quay for $475 million SGD, which is expected to be completed in Q4 2026

Commuters in Johor Bahru are calling for an increase in public transport service frequency since they struggle with overcrowding and lengthy wait times, especially as they have to compete with those travelling to/from the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex for commutes to Singapore

Rock band Guns N’ Roses will perform at the National Stadium on 25 Nov at 8pm as part of their 2026 World Tour

The Upper House of Parliament (Dewan Negara) has approved the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Bill 2026. The bill does not require amendments to the Federal Constitution to enforce extraterritorial laws. The law allows Singapore enforcement officers a limited Customs, Immigration and security functions within designated areas

The Minister of State for Trade and Industry said the US authorities have not officially increased the tariff to 15% from the earlier rate of 10%

Green Canvas, Mandai Wildlife Reserve will host the Minecraft Experience: Village Rescue from 24 Apr to 13 Sep. The 1-hour adventure will let participants enjoy Minecraft-themed activities. Presales will begin from 10 Mar and general ticket sales from 11 Mar. The weekday tickets will start from $46 SGD for adults and $40 SGD for children, and weekend tickets will start from $51 SGD for adults and $44 SGD for children. Members of WildPass and Friends of Mandai will receive a 15% early bird discount until 23 Mar

Disney Adventure has docked at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) with the maiden cruise scheduled on 10 Mar. The homeporting arrangements with Singapore are for 5 years. Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is looking to expand its ships to 13 by 2031. In 2025, Singapore recorded 2 million cruise passengers from 375 ship calls, supported by direct flights to 160 cities and the expanded MBCCS

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) warns that the war in the Middle East is likely to increase global energy prices and electricity tariffs in Singapore. EMA said 95% of Singapore's electricity is generated using imported natural gas. Singapore imports 57% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from different source markets, including from the Middle East, while the remaining 43% is piped natural gas from Malaysia and Indonesia. EMA said most of the consumers in Singapore are safe from immediate price volatility as they are on fixed-price retail contracts or pay the regulated tariffs

The Acting Transport Minister announced the self-driving shuttle service in Punggol will open to the public from 1 Apr. The service has been on trial since Sep 2025. Senior Minister of State for Transport said the rides will be offered for free during the initial period, and from mid-2026, a $4 SGD fare will be applied

Gardens by the Bay will develop Wetlands by the Bay, a 5ha attraction with a teamLab flagship museum and a new community space called Glade Lawn. The attraction will also feature more than 600 mangroves and coastal plants, 3X larger than the existing 1.5ha Kingfisher Wetlands. The TeamLab flagship museum will feature a multi-sensory pedal kayak experience. A canopy boardwalk will be extended to better connect Kingfisher Wetlands to Gardens by the Bay MRT station. There will be a revamped Satay by the Bay dining concept in the new attraction, featuring food court stalls and casual dining restaurants. The total cost for the project was not announced, but Gardens by the Bay will fund this project using its own financial reserves. The Minister of State for National Development also announced updates on plans to connect 13 southwestern parks via curated trails to complement the National Parks Board’s Labrador Nature Park network. HortPark, Labrador Nature Park and West Coast Park, out of the 13 parks, will become Destination Parks, large parks withthematic identities and unique features. The Minister also announced that a second marine park at Lazarus South and Kusu Reef will be formally designated in 2026. $60 million SGD will be invested in a new marine science research centre of excellence under the Research, Innovation, and Enterprise 2030 plan

Singapore plans to admit 25,000 to 30,000 new citizens annually over the next 5 years to sustain population growth and economic stability. Singapore’s total fertility rate (TFR) dropped from 1.24 in 2015 to a record low of 0.87 in 2025. Singapore is also expected to admit about 40,000 permanent residents annually in the next 5 years

Hickory Global Partners’ 2025 ranked Singapore at 8th place in the list of the world’s most popular cities for business travel and 5th place in the most expensive cities list for business travel, based on booking data and average daily rate (ADR). The consortium represents more than 2,500 members in 74 countries and works with over 51,000 hotel partners

Heavy traffic congestion was reported at the Woodlands Checkpoint on 2 Mar, two days after the immigration increased checks following the conflict in the Middle East

The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) said the ministry’s major focus in 2026 will be on protecting Singapore from climate impacts. The initiatives also focus on girding coastlines against rising sea levels, and improving food security. The Ministry will allocate more funds for research to understand how heat will affect people and to develop novel cooling solutions. MSE’s budget for 2026 is expected to be $3.69 billion, a drop from $4.21 billion in 2025. MSE has set up the Heat Resilience Policy Office, which will oversee heat management efforts across Singapore, conduct research, and represent Singapore internationally. The Minister said the coastal protection studies for the Tuas Checkpoint and Lim Chu Kang stretch has been completed

The Deputy Prime Minister said geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East might significantly impact a small and open economy like Singapore. He highlighted that the Strait of Hormuz is an important shipping route for crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), which has been closed after the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran. He added that the prolonged war could increase energy prices and increase costs for businesses and consumers

Singapore plans to train 100,000 ‘AI bilingual’ workers in accountancy and law to redesign work processes under the National AI Impact Program (NAIIP) from H1 2026. The program will help lift 10,000 enterprises to integrate AI, supported by a Digital Leaders Accelerator Bootcamp. The Minister for Digital Development and Information said, “Not all of us can be AI engineers. But we can be ‘bilingual’ in AI and our own areas of expertise, to solve problems in our domains”

The Minister of State for Trade and Industry announced the Greater Sentosa Master Plan. As part of the plan, the Sentosa Express will be replaced with a new transport hub to connect Sentosa Island and Pulau Brani in Keppel Harbour, which will be known as the Greater Sentosa. The Sentosa Express is a 2.1km monorail system with 4 stations connecting VivoCity in HarbourFront to Sentosa. Greater Sentosa will house lifestyle and hospitality developments. Sentosa’s beaches will undergo rejuvenation works, including coastal protection measures to boost visitor experience and guard against rising sea levels. More details will be announced later on this plan

Singapore will launch a tender to transform 37 Emerald Hill, a former school, into a mixed-use development with hotel concepts, lifestyle offerings, and community and public spaces. Singapore is also on track to complete the Grange Road event space, with a capacity of 3,000 people, in Q4 2026

Singapore will invest $800 million SGD into decarbonisation over the next 5 years to meet the abatement target by 2035 and net-zero ambition by 2050. The Minister-in-charge of Energy said they are increasing investments to reduce power sector and industry emissions, while ensuring a reliable and resilient power system. The funding is part of the large-scale research and translation programs under the national Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) 2030 plan. Industrial processes and power generation account for 80% of greenhouse gas emissions in Singapore. The Ministry of Trade and Industry said the investment will focus on technologies such as solar power, hydrogen and its derivatives, energy efficiency, energy storage, carbon capture and utilisation, and grid modernisation for decarbonisation efforts. The Minister also announced a new program called Singapore Pilots for Energy and Enterprise Decarbonisation to support local research, development, and demonstration activities, and attract private investments. An additional $800 million SGD investment will be made to establish the RIE Flagship in semiconductor

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority has warned travellers to expect delays at checkpoints due to additional security checks due to the security situation in the Middle East

Singapore is still evaluating the invitation to join the Board of Peace, its Foreign Minister has stated

The Malaysian Border Control Agency announced that the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) at the Malaysia-Singapore border checkpoint will undergo network system maintenance during off-peak hours from 12.30am to 3.30am, from 27 Feb to 14 Mar. QR code clearance lanes for motorcyclists using the MyNIISE (National Integrated Immigration System) and MyBorderPass apps will not be affected. The announcement followed a system failure in the early hours of 25 Feb, which disabled all autogates at the BSI checkpoint. As a result, travellers had to undergo manual immigration clearance, causing congestion and disrupting commuters travelling to Singapore for work

Northstar Travel Group will host Global Travel Marketplace (GTM) Luxury Asia Pacific from 14-15 Apr. The invitation-only luxury travel marketplace will take place at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre

Mandai Wildlife Reserve will open Southeast Asia’s largest indoor, nature-themed attractions, called Mandai Exploria, on 3 Mar. The attraction will focus on teenagers and young adults, and will feature environments ranging from prehistoric eras to microscopic ecosystems

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) refused entry for 45,700 foreign visitors in 2025, +38.3% YoY from 33,100 people in 2024. They were refused entry due to immigration risks, such as overstaying or working illegally, or security risks. ICA detected 223 multiple identity cases, -4.3% YoY. The number of forged or tampered travel documents detected on arrival dropped to 37 cases in 2025, -39.3% YoY. ICA arrested 538 immigration offenders, including 54 illegal immigrants and 484 overstayers

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) recorded 245 million travellers in Singapore’s checkpoints in 2025, surpassing 230 million people recorded in 2024 and 217.3 million recorded in 2019. ICA said around 3 in 4 travellers entered Singapore through land checkpoints. The highest daily number was recorded on 19 Dec 2025, with close to 589,000 travellers entering Singapore through land borders. ICA recorded a 9.5% increase in vehicles cleared at land checkpoints in 2025, with cars and motorcycles accounting for 94%. 127 million travellers cleared immigration using passport-less QR code clearance. ICA said those who travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru via the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link will likely go through the QR code clearance system. The RTS Link can transport 10,000 travellers per hour in each direction, and is expected to become fully operational by the end of 2026

Singapore recorded 1.5 million arrivals in Jan 2026, including 1.11 million overnight visitors, -7% YoY. Average length of stay was 3.43 days in Jan, -2.6% YoY. The top 5 source markets were China (271,950), Indonesia (218,440), Australia (140,780), Malaysia (116,680), and India (86,000). Visitors from China and Indonesia dropped by 27.8% YoY and 13.2% YoY, respectively

Core inflation for Singapore dropped to 1% YoY in Jan 2026 vs 1.2% in Dec 2025, according to the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Overall inflation increased to 1.4% in Jan 2026, vs 1.2% in Dec 2025. MAS and MTI projects the core and overall inflation to average 1%-2% in 2026

Deputy Prime Minister said Singapore is likely to fall under the US new tariff of 15% on all imports. He has asked the Singaporeans to prepare for the long term in a changed global trade environment. He also said, "Our economic strategy review plays a very important part in charting the path forward to strengthen our competitiveness and deepen our resilience”. The US Supreme Court struck down the US President’s decision to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act

Minor International is planning to launch a $1 billion USD Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) on the Singapore Exchange in H2 2026. By 2028, Minor International is targeting a combined portfolio of 850 open and pipeline hotels (currently 636) and 4,150 restaurants (currently 2,746)

Singapore will ease its Nipah virus temperature screenings at the airport and seaports from 23 Feb

Marriott International reports strong growth and development momentum for the Asia Pacific (APEC) region (excluding China) in 2025. Marriott International signed 187 organic deals with more than 28,000 rooms signed in 2025, +32% YoY and recorded more than 730 open properties across 22 Asia Pacific countries, under 27 brands, with more than 400 hotels and over 86,000 rooms in the pipeline. Ascott signed 102 properties in 2025 with 19,000 units, +27% YoY, with new portfolios in Wellington (New Zealand), Phuket (Thailand), Langkawi (Malaysia), and Lucknow (India). The President for Marriott International Asia Pacific excluding China, said APEC room night mix was dominated by APEC travellers who accounted for 56.4% of the total, with the Top 5 APEC source markets being India (29%), followed by Japan (15%), Australia (11%), South Korea (9%), and Indonesia (8%)

From 13–15 Mar, the Marina Bay precinct will host a Disney Cruise Line-themed fireworks sky show, presented by UOB, Marina Bay Sands, Disney Cruise Line, and the Singapore Tourism Board. From 26 Feb to 30 Apr, participating locations across Marina Bay — including UOB Main Branch, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Gardens by the Bay, JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, One Fullerton, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, and Swissôtel The Stamford — will host interactive quests. Visitors who spend more than $100 SGD at these locations (excluding UOB Main Branch) using a UOB card can enter a lucky draw to win the grand prize: a three-night stay aboard the Disney Adventure. UOB customers can also collect limited-edition Disney Adventure-inspired medallions

The 48th edition of Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) event will be held from 21-24 Apr at the Singapore Expo, organised by Informa Markets. The event is expected to welcome over 80,000 international visitors, and will feature more than 2,750 exhibitors from 115 countries. FHA 2026 will partner with the European Union (EU) as the Region of Honour. Through this partnership, EU’s culinary heritage, innovative food production, and commitment to sustainability will be highlighted. The Seafood Industries Association Singapore will host the Singapore Seafood Pavilion, spotlighting fresh, live, frozen, and processed seafood. The Future Forward zone will highlight the impact of technology on food service, hospitality, and retail. The Singapore Chefs Association and Singapore Junior Chefs Club will organise the Young Chef Grand Prix

Booking.com data shows Singapore is the second most searched destination for Chinese tourists behind Paris, France and ahead of Bangkok, Thailand. Trip.com’s data shows that China is the top source market for Singapore, followed by Malaysia and Indonesia. Sojern reported flight bookings from China have increased by 21% YoY, and hotel bookings increased by 23% YoY. Singapore was among the top regional destinations, alongside Thailand, Australia, and South Korea. Changi Airport Group in Jan 2026 announced that 6 Chinese airlines will operate more than 600 additional flights between Singapore and 15 Chinese cities during the festive season

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched “Aunties, Not Algorithms” campaigns for singles based in the US to try something new and “refreshingly human”, away from the dating apps and online dating. Interested individuals can submit their profiles at FirstDateInSingapore.com for the chance to be matched by the "aunties", and the contest is open until 13 Mar. Winners will get an exclusive Singaporean cooking class with a Michelin Chef, round-trip flights to Singapore, and an "auntie-approved" itinerary and spending stipend