Singapore
Apr 2025 sees Singapore welcome 1.4 mil int’l pax, +5% YoY and +8% MoM.
Latest monthly intl arrivals
1,296,596
Mar 2025
Recovery vs 2019
83%
Mar 2019: 1,564,664
YTD Intl Arrivals
16,594,342
No 2024 data
Percent of 2024 Target
101%
of 17M target
Source: Intl arrivals - Singapore Tourism Analytics Network. Page last updated: 17 May 2025.
Latest Travel Industry News
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17-May-2025 🌏 outboundCTC Travel has reported a steady interest in travel to the US, noting that they had “not seen any significant decline in bookings. There has been no sharp decline in air ticket sales to the US since the beginning of the year”Source: straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/students-travellers-from-south-east-asia-souring-on-the-us-amid-immigration-crackdowns
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16-May-2025 👨✈️ aviationSingapore Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer said the airline recorded a surge in passenger traffic to China in the last 6 months. The load factor reached 80% in 2025 vs 70% in 2024. Singapore Airlines’ capacity to China recovered to pre-pandemic levels, but Scoot only reached 80% of pre-pandemic levelsSource: bangkokpost.com/business/general/3027196/demand-for-flights-to-china-has-risen-recently-singapore-airlines-exec-says
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16-May-2025 🛬 inboundIn Apr 2025, Singapore welcomed 1.4 million international tourists, +4.5% YoY and +7.7% MoM. From Jan-Apr 2025, it welcomed 5.71 million international tourists, +1.2% YoY. In Apr 2025, the biggest source market was Indonesian tourists, followed by China and India, although China is the biggest source from Jan-Apr 2025, at 1.04 million, then Indonesia and AustraliaSource: theindependent.sg/singapore-welcomed-hefty-1-4-million-tourists-in-april-marking-4-5-yoy-increase/
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16-May-2025 🛬 inboundA 4-day exhibition showcasing China’s smart tourism advancements opened on 4 May, with the aim to share knowledge with Singaporean industry players and explore VR, AI and big data. Over 200 representatives from China and Singapore attended physically, with 720,000 online viewsSource: english.news.cn/20250516/57523d136c6a47b6a839d342cd3bb679/c.html
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16-May-2025 🛬 inboundBTS member Jin released his latest music video for Don’t Say You Love Me, which was mainly filmed in Singapore. Locations included the National Gallery, Marina Bay Residences and Goldhill PlazaSource: cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/bts-jin-singapore-music-video-filming-locations-dont-say-you-love-me-465111
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16-May-2025 🛬 inboundLady Gaga’s official website was updated to include Singapore icons ahead of her concerts in Singapore from 18-24 MaySource: cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/lady-gaga-website-singapore-icons-dragon-playground-tingkat-465106
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15-May-2025 👨✈️ aviationSingapore Airlines (SIA) posted 2.78 billion SGD net profit for the year ended 31 Mar vs $2.68 billion in 2024. SIA recorded a one-off gain of $1.1 billion after completing the merger of Vistara which SIA owned a 49% share with Air India in Nov 2024. After the merger, SIA will have a 25.1% share in Air India SIA’s operating profit recorded $1.71 billion SGD, -37% YoY, following -5.5% in passenger yields due to strong competition. SIA said employees will receive 7.45 months’ worth of profit-sharing bonus vs 7.94 months they received in 2024 Annual cargo revenues recorded +4.4% following a strong e-commerce and perishable demand following the disruption to Red Sea shipping Freight yields recorded -7.8% due to strong competition SIA declared 30 SGD cents per share vs 38 SGD cents it offered in 2024Source: channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-airlines-record-annual-profit-bonus-5132121
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15-May-2025 🛬 inboundChinatown Heritage Centre (CHC) was officially reopened on 13 May by the Minister of State for Culture. The Chief Executive of Woopa Travels, which operates CHC, said the centre welcomed 31,000 visitors since its soft launch in Jan. The centre aims to increase its visitors to 100,000 per year by the end of 2025. In conjunction with Singapore’s 60th anniversary, there will be promotions until 31 Aug. Visitors to CHC can sign up for guided tours and an immersive theatrical experience, Under One Roof. The Executive Director of CHC said heritage brands will be showcased and offered retail space in the centre. Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP said CHC ticket holders will receive exclusive perks and discounts from businesses around Chinatown, including Killiney Singapore, Gelato Garden, and Elegance of Nanyang. He said CHC aims to be a community space and work with other groups in the precinctSource: straitstimes.com/singapore/walk-through-1950s-history-at-the-newly-reopened-chinatown-heritage-centre
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15-May-2025 👨✈️ aviationThe Malaysian Tourism Minister had discussions with Scoot to boost connectivity between Malaysia-Singapore, a potential Singapore-Bintulu route, as well as the opportunity that Tawau presentsSource: theedgemalaysia.com/node/755378
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15-May-2025 🛬 inboundThe number of overnight visitors in Singapore was 1.01 million, +1.9% YoY and 72.1% of the total in Apr 2025, whilst 73.4% of the total Jan-Apr 2025 international visitors total were overnight. The average length of stay from Jan-Apr 2025 was 3.47 days, +0.9% YoYSource: ggrasia.com/singapores-april-visitor-arrivals-up-nearly-5pct-y-o-y-to-1-4mln-says-tourism-board
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14-May-2025 👨✈️ aviationThe Prime Minister officiated the groundbreaking ceremony of Changi Airport’s Terminal 5 (T5) on 14 May. Three different parts of T5 (T5A, T5B, and T5C) will be connected by automated people movers similar to the existing sky trains. T5’s location near Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal could pave the way for air-sea transfers. Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group will consolidate SIA and Scoot operations under T5 for better “operational synergies”. The Prime Minister added that T5 will offer more jobs for Singaporeans, especially with skillsets such as data science, robotics, and sustainability. The Prime Minister believes that the bulk of the air travel growth trajectory will take place in the Asia Pacific region. Currently, Changi has connections to 170 cities, and it is expected to grow to 200 cities by mid-2030s, supported by T5. The existing 4 terminals have capabilities to handle 90 million passengers, and they handled 68.4 million passengers in 2024. Once T5 is completed, the terminal will be able to handle 50 million passengers annually, thus increasing the capacity of Changi Airport to 140 million, making it a mega airport. The Changi Airport Group CEO said passengers can connect to another flight in under an hour in T5, faster than the current transfer times. He added that there will be a separate train service connecting T5 to T2 via a 2.5km underground linkSource: channelnewsasia.com/singapore/terminal-5-groundbreaking-lawrence-wong-changi-airport-5128571
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14-May-2025 👨✈️ aviationThe Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and Cross Island Line (CRL) will be extended to Terminal 5 of Changi Airport. The stations will be located at T5’s ground transportation centre, which consolidates train, bus, taxi, and other transport services. TEL and CRL will connect T5 with the city centre and the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link terminal at Woodlands North. CRL will allow connection to the Punggol Digital District and the Jurong Lake District. The Land Transport Authority will announce details about TEL and CRL extensions. Bedok South and Sungei Bedok stations will be part of the TEL Stage 5 and slated to be completed by 2026. Three MRT stations on the East-West Line (EWL) – Tanah Merah, Expo, and Changi Airport – will be modified from 2025 to be converted into TEL stations in the future. The first phase of CRL from Aviation Park to Bright Hill with 12 stations will be completed by 2030, the second phase involving Turf City to Jurong Lake District with 6 stations will be ready in 2032Source: straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/tel-crl-mrt-lines-to-be-extended-to-serve-changi-airport-terminal-5
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14-May-2025 🛬 inboundA few events are planned to celebrate Lady Gaga’s concert scheduled on 18, 19, 21, and 24 May at the Singapore National Stadium. Marina Bay Sands (MBS) will offer shows from 15-24 May, which include a water show at 8.30pm and 9.30pm, featuring Lady Gaga songs a light show to light up the MBS facade and waterfront in orange shades from 7.00-11.59pm a party titled, “Born This May” on 17 May at the nightclub Marquee in MBS MBS restaurants will offer Lady Gaga-themed food and beverage offerings Besides MBS, other events planned for Lady Gaga’s concert include Rabbit’s Hole and SG Little Monsters, fan communities’ activities called the Monster Marathon, featuring Lady Gaga era themed parties: Chromatica on 16 May, The Fame Monster or Born This Way on 17 May, Artpop on 23 May and Mayhem on 24 May, and four concerts after parties, among othersSource: cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/lady-gaga-concert-singapore-after-party-mbs-light-show-464991
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14-May-2025 🛬 inboundFormula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2025 Organisers announced additional performances by CL on 3 Oct; Foo Fighters and Smashing Pumpkins on 4 Oct; as well as DJ Alan Walker, Putri Ariani, and Babymetal. They previously announced performances by Elton John and G-DragonSource: cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/foo-fighters-smashing-pumpkins-cl-f1-singapore-2025-464956
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14-May-2025 🌏 outboundRoyal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas will home port in Singapore from Oct 2026-Feb 2027. The cruise ship will make 3-5 nights sailings with port calls to Penang, Phuket, and Langkawi from Singapore. The cruise will also travel to HCMC, Da Nang, and Bangkok in a 10-night journey to Thailand and Vietnam. In Feb 2027, the cruise will travel to Tokyo from Singapore on an 11 and 12-night tripSource: travelweekly-asia.com/Cruise-Travel/Navigator-of-the-Seas-sets-course-for-Singapore
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14-May-2025 🌏 outboundSkyscanner’s Smarter Summer Report shows 89% of Singaporean travellers are looking to maximise their summer holidays in 2025. Travel Trends and Destination Expert for Skyscanner said more than 50% of Singaporeans fulfilled their summer goals in 2024. 54% of Singaporean travellers want to maximise their summer holidays to experience more destinations and activities than before 38% said they are inspired by travel content, friends, or family to do more this summer 50% use travel comparison tools to find the best value for flights, hotels, and car hires 42% want to extend their summer holiday to travel during the shoulder season to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices 78% said they can shift travel days to save money 77% are willing to choose a lesser-known destination to save costs and avoid crowds 36% want to visit multiple destinations in one trip 93% planning for the same or more trips in 2025 59% have yet to book a trip 43% want more destination inspiration before making plansSource: ttrweekly.com/site/2025/05/singaporens-stretch-holiday-budgets/
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14-May-2025 🌏 outboundSkyscanner revealed the top 10 most popular destinations for Singaporeans for summer 2025 holidays. Bali, Indonesia London, UK Perth, Australia Penang, Malaysia Osaka, Japan Milan, Italy Koh Sanui, Thailand Sapporo, Japan Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia Langkawi, MalaysiaSource: ttrweekly.com/site/2025/05/singaporens-stretch-holiday-budgets/
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13-May-2025 🛬 inboundSingaporean households can claim $500 SGD worth of CDC vouchers from 13 May. $250 SGD can be spent at participating supermarkets, and the remaining can be spent at participating hawker stalls and heartland merchants. 38% of the 1.33 million Singaporean households have claimed their CDC vouchers by 13 May. This voucher is an addition to the $300 SGD vouchers disbursed in Jan. Both vouchers will be valid until 31 Dec 2025. Every Singaporean adult will receive $600 SGD voucher, and those aged 60 and above will receive a $800 SGD voucher in Jul as part of the SG60 celebrationsSource: straitstimes.com/singapore/every-singaporean-household-can-claim-500-cdc-vouchers-from-may-13
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12-May-2025 🌏 outboundCorporate Travel Management survey found Millennial and Gen Z travellers want to travel more for business, and they are booking their trips and favour cost, convenience, and reliability when choosing suppliers. They also consider sustainability when booking flights and hotels. The study surveyed 702 Millennial and Gen Z employees in Mar 2025. CTM’s Global COO said Millennials make up 75% of the global workforce, closely followed by Gen Z. The survey found; 86% of respondents flew for business trips at least once a year, 70% flew between 1-5 times, and 55% want to travel more for business The top 3 reasons why respondents enjoy business travel were: experiencing new destinations, collaborating with colleagues and partners, and taking a break from routine Based on the data from Asia, Millennial and Gen Z business travellers in Singapore and Hong Kong are most likely to extend business trips for a few more days for leisure, while Australians fly for business Singapore and Hong Kong travellers showed a strong demand for environmentally sustainable services compared to other regions, 75% for airlines, 69% for hotels, and 59% for car rental services Singapore and Hong Kong have the highest expectations for employers to pay more for sustainable business travel at 76%, and 90% said they expect the importance of business travel to increase in line with their professional experience and seniority, compared to 70% at the global level The top 3 important factors when selecting an airline are price, flight schedules (convenience), and on-time performance (reliability)Source: meetings-conventions-asia.com/News/Industry-Reports/Millennials-and-Gen-Zs-want-more-than-just-Zoom
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10-May-2025 👨✈️ aviationScoot has announced that it will expand its network and capacity, including: Boost frequencies from Singapore to Taipei and Seoul from 5 weekly to daily from 2 Aug Increase passenger capacity to Taipei and Tokyo across all flights from 30 Mar Increase flights to Perth and Sydney to 14 per week from 4 Aug and 5 Oct Philippines: increase flights from 2 to 4 weekly from Singapore-Iloilo City from 6 Jun; to Cebu from 7 to 10 from 24 Jun; to Davao from 9 times weekly to 12 from 30 Aug Increase flights to Koh Samui to 25 from 21, from 24 JunSource: straitstimes.com/singapore/planning-to-travel-in-coming-months-scoot-is-adding-more-flights-to-several-asia-pacific-cities
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10-May-2025 🛬 inboundAlipay+ reported that during the Labour Day and Golden Week, Chinese travellers visited Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, France and Italy. It also reported that transaction made in China by foreign e-wallets have more than doubled YoY, led by AlipayHK, Malaysia’s Touch ‘n Go, Kazakhstan’s Kaspi.kz, Macau’s MPay, and Thailand’s TrueMoneySource: pattayamail.com/news/thailand-still-hot-among-chinese-tourists-alipay-data-confirms-500389
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9-May-2025 🛬 inboundThe Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE), together with 400 partners from the people, public and private sectors, offers 900 activities under the Go Green SG initiative in 2025. Among the activities are an informative Sea Exploration guided tour by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), a mushroom cultivation workshop by the Mushroom World Academy held at Vidacity, tours of the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore, and upcycling workshops by Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital. In 2024, 50,000 people take part in over 400 activitiesSource: straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/guided-ferry-tour-of-southern-islands-mushroom-cultivation-among-activities-in-go-green-sg-2025
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9-May-2025 🌏 outbound4 Singapore-based tour bus operators are suspended from operating in Malaysia after their licenses were cancelled by the Malaysian Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) after the companies were found offering express bus services and selling tickets online, which are not allowed for foreign bus operators. They are only allowed to take tourists on overnight stays in Peninsular Malaysia. Cityline Travel, Luxury Coach, WTS Travel, and Leo City Coach are the affected companies. Cityline will refund its customers, while Luxury Coach will transfer the customers to a partner company or will offer a refund. The companies offered coach services between Singapore to Genting Highlands, Kuala Lumpur, and MalaccaSource: straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/four-tour-bus-operators-barred-from-providing-coach-services-in-malaysia
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9-May-2025 👨✈️ aviationSingapore Airlines Group in Q1 2025 acquired 1,000 tonnes of Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)-eligible[3] neat SAF from Neste, produced at the Singapore refinery. It has also purchased 2,000 CORSIA-eligible SAF in emissions reductions from World Energy, a United States-based producer, utilising the Book & Claim Chain of Custody modelSource: singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/corporate/newsroom/press-release/2025/april-may/singapore-airlines-group-continues-progress-on-decarbonisation-j/
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9-May-2025 👨✈️ aviationUnited Nations’ aviation agency predicts a 4.3% increase in demand for MRO over the next two decades. The CEO of the Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) said that due to the long waiting period for the delivery of new aircraft, the services for existing older aircraft will have to be extended. He added that MRO capacity is limited by the supply chain constraints and a workers' shortage. He said there are challenges in making sure the workers can access opportunities in aerospace, and with the upskilling and cross-skilling of the existing workforce. AI allows jobs to evolve to offer high-value products and services. He added that AI could offer better analysis based on data to predict when maintenance is needed. This requires more maintenance to ensure the aircraft remains in good condition. ST Engineering are looking to meet the demand by adding maintenance hangers in Singapore and abroad. ST Engineering plans to increase its man-hours in Singapore by a third in 2026 to over 4 million per year. The company wants to hire up to 500 staff in the next one to two years. Singapore contributes 10% of the current global MRO output, making it a leading hub in Asia. Singapore recorded $750 million in investment commitments from aerospace companies from 2022-2024Source: channelnewsasia.com/singapore/aviation-mro-maintainence-repair-overhaul-demand-manpower-5119716
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8-May-2025 🛬 inboundMandai Wildlife Reserve will launch new experiences such as Colugo Camp, an overnight stay experience; additional dining options in the Dining Alley; Green Canvas, a new meetings and exhibitions venue; Exploria and Curiosity Cove (nature-themed indoor attractions); and a ZooSchool for children at its eastern cluster in H2 2025. Through ZooSchool, Mandai Wildlife Group and preschool NTUC First Campus will partner to offer an immersive nature-inspired wildlife education program for preschool students to 12 years oldSource: cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/new-experiences-mandai-overnight-camping-zooschool-464701
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8-May-2025 🌏 outboundAir New Zealand recorded +40% YoY in Singapore-originated traffic for Singapore-Auckland flights in 2024. Passengers from South and Southeast Asian markets travelling on the route recorded +3% YoY in 2024. The airline also recorded +250% YoY in passengers from Bali Airport in 2024 after its Auckland-Denpasar route was expanded from seasonal to year-round. Air New Zealand’s head of South and Southeast Asia hopes this route will get more Southeast Asian travellers. She added Bali is a popular transit point with Singapore travellers, with some choosing to stay a few days in Bali before continuing to New ZealandSource: ttgasia.com/2025/05/08/asian-passenger-numbers-climb-for-air-new-zealand/
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8-May-2025 👨✈️ aviationThe World Economic Forum and Singapore’s GenZero launched the Green Fuel Forward initiative on 5 May to boost regional demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This initiative will focus on the production of SAF, which offers the aviation industry an important tool to reduce the sector’s growing greenhouse gas emissions. GenZero Climate Summit 2025 was held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre from 5-8 May. Boeing’s Sustainability Lead for the Asia Pacific region said the company is actively promoting the use of SAF and they will ensure their commercial aircraft are certified to operate on 100% SAF by 2030. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects that the aviation industry needs SAF to achieve about 65% of the emissions reductions needed to reach net zero by 2050. Green Fuel Forward is a capacity-building initiative targeted to attract airlines, refiners, logistics companies, banks and other companies. 16 companies and organisations, including Boeing, Climate Impact X, DBS Bank, DHL, the International Energy Agency, Neste, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Temasek, and UOB, have agreed to participate in this initiative. The initiative will focus on boosting the take-up of SAF certificates by companies to offset their own emissions or the travel emissions of their employees. They can purchase the certificate on exchanges such as Singapore’s Climate Impact X, and it is linked to the creation of 1 tonne of SAFSource: straitstimes.com/singapore/wef-genzero-aviation-initiative-aims-to-boost-green-fuel-uptake-in-asia
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8-May-2025 👨✈️ aviationSingapore’s aviation sector now employs 36,000 workers, exceeding pre-pandemic levels of 35,000 and remaining a “bright spot” despite global uncertainty, according to the Transport Minister. He added that 3 key players in the aviation industry, such as Singapore Airlines (SIA), Changi Airport Group (CAG), and ground handler SATS, continue to hire for various roles and are looking to expand. The Minister said technology such as automation and digitalisation can help to improve workers’ productivity and increase workflow efficiency. He added that digitalisation is needed to redesign jobs, but acknowledged that it's necessary to better retain older workers amid an ageing workforce. He said the aviation, maritime, supply chain, and logistics industries have potential for further growth. The construction of Changi Airport Terminal 5 will begin in mid-May. Singapore aims to expand its connections from the current 170 cities to 200 cities for better flight connectivity. The upcoming Changi East Industrial Zone will increase the airport’s annual air cargo capacity from 3 million to 5.4 million tonnesSource: straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/spores-aviation-sector-remains-bright-spot-employs-36000-workers-chee-hong-tat
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8-May-2025 🛬 inboundDKSH Healthcare published a White Paper titled “Southeast Asia as a Growth Accelerator for Global Healthcare Firms”. Singapore is attracting tourists with its innovative longevity clinicsSource: docs.dksh.com/healthcare/global/DKSH_Whitepaper.pdf
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7-May-2025 🛬 inboundAnalysts said the SGD could continue to strengthen against the USD in the coming months. An FX strategist at OCBC added that SGD has strengthened by 5.8% in 2025 due to signs of tariff de-escalation. The Head of FX research at Maybank said diversification away from the USD has benefited the SGD. Chief Economist at Bank of Singapore said with strong fundamentals, SGD could reach parity with USD “in our lifetimes”Source: channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-dollar-strength-us-dollar-currencies-fx-5114541
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7-May-2025 🛬 inboundThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) advised Singaporean citizens to defer all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir in India and to Pakistan following a conflict between both countriesSource: channelnewsasia.com/singapore/kashmir-india-pakistan-tensions-travel-agencies-singapore-cancel-tours-5114096
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7-May-2025 🛬 inboundHilton and UOL Group reached an agreement to open a NoMad hotel in Singapore. NoMad Singapore will open in early 2027 on Orchard Road and will feature 173 roomsSource: ttrweekly.com/site/2025/05/hiltons-nomad-brand-lands-in-singapore/
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7-May-2025 🛬 inboundSingapore’s hotel rates and occupancy rates dropped in Q1 2025 on a YoY basis despite the tourist arrivals in 2025 being similar to 2024. Mar recorded the steepest YoY drop YTD. Jan recorded a strong performance due to the school break and the Chinese New Year. In Q1 2025, Singapore hotels recorded $272.63 SGD average room rate, -3.3% from $270.42 SGD in Q4 2024 The ARR in Jan recorded +1.4% YoY, but recorded -3.4% in Feb and -7.3% in Mar. Overall room revenue in Q1 2025 recorded -3.6% YoY to $1.29 billion SGD, but slightly higher than $1.28 billion SGD in Q4 2024 RevPAR recorded -4.1% YoY to $220.73 SGD in Q1 2025, but up from $215.76 in Q4 2024 The hotels’ average occupancy rate was at 80.96% in Q1 2025 vs 81.65% in Q1 2024 and 79.79% in Q4 2024Source: businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapore-hotel-figures-slip-yoy-q1-main-drags-march-visitor-arrivals-steady
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6-May-2025 👨✈️ aviationSingapore Airlines (SIA) and Scoot flights have started to use alternative flight paths since 6 May, avoiding Pakistan airspace following a conflict between India and Pakistan. Scoot’s flights to and from Amritsar have been cancelled until 9 May following the closure of the airport. A Scoot spokesperson said a full refund will be given if the affected passengers choose not to continue with their travel plan. Several other Asian airlines announced they will reroute or cancel flights to and from Europe following the conflictSource: channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-airlines-asia-reroute-cancel-flights-india-pakistan-fighting-5113816
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6-May-2025 🛬 inboundThe 2025 General Election recorded a 92.47% turnout, the lowest voter turnout by percentage since 1968. There were a total of 2,627,026 registered voters in Singapore. The figure did not include the votes cast at overseas polling stations. Political observers said the low turnout might be related to the May Day holiday, which might have contributed to many Singaporeans making travel plansSource: straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/voter-turnout-at-ge2025-the-lowest-since-1968-at-92-47
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6-May-2025 👨✈️ aviationChangi Airport Group (CAG) awarded contracts of around $4.75 billion SGD in value to construction companies for substructure and airside infrastructure works at Changi Airport’s Terminal 5. A Joint Venture (JV) between the Singapore branch of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and Obayashi Singapore was awarded a substructure contract valued at $3.8 billion SGD. The JV will focus on the construction of the foundation and basements of the T5 main passenger terminal and ground transportation centre, as well as part of the tunnels connecting T5 and T2. Hwa Seng Builder won a $950 million SGD worth contract for airside infrastructure works, including the development of remote aircraft stands, connecting taxi lanes, and ancillary support buildings. T5 will increase the airport’s capacity to 50 million passengers annually. The construction will begin in H1 2025 and is expected to be completed in the mid-2030sSource: businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/changi-airport-terminal-5-contracts-worth-s4-75-billion-awarded
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5-May-2025 🛬 inboundThe Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) expects heavy traffic at Singapore-Malaysia checkpoints during the Vesak Day long weekend. During the long weekend on Good Friday, 2.4 million people crossed the land checkpoints, with the peak on 17 Apr with 550,000 people crossing the border. ICA said Malaysia-bound vehicles had to wait for up to 3 hours for immigration clearanceSource: channelnewsasia.com/singapore/very-heavy-traffic-vesak-day-weekend-woodlands-tuas-checkpoints-singapore-malaysia-5108811
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5-May-2025 🛬 inboundThe Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) announced that a free trade agreement (FTA) between Singapore with Peru and Chile came into force on 3 May. FTA with Colombia and Mexico is under the ratification process. The countries, known as the Pacific Alliance, represent the 9th-largest economy in the world. The agreement was first signed in Jan 2022. In 2024, total trade between Singapore with the Pacific Alliance was $12.5 billion SGD. It is the first FTA between Singapore and Colombia. Singapore is already an FTA partner with Chile, Mexico, and PeruSource: channelnewsasia.com/singapore/free-trade-agreement-pacific-alliance-peru-chile-mti-tariffs-economy-5108836
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4-May-2025 🛬 inboundSingapore held its General Election on 2 May, with the ruling party, the People’s Action Party, winning the election to form a majority government. Sample counts showed that PAP won in all but 10 seatsSource: bangkokpost.com/world/3017081/singapore-ruling-party-wins-election-in-landslide
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4-May-2025 🛬 inboundThe People’s Action Party won 65.57% of the popular vote, increasing from 61.24% in the last general election. The new Cabinet will be formed and announced when readySource: straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/ge2025-pap-gets-65-57-per-cent-of-votes-in-landslide-win
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3-May-2025 🌏 outboundHeavy traffic is expected at the Malaysia-Singapore land border on 3 May, with waiting times expected of 5 hours or more travelling to Malaysia via the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) warnedSource: channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ica-heavy-traffic-woodlands-tuas-land-checkpoint-5106426
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2-May-2025 🛬 inboundK-pop group Riize will perform on 24 Jan 2026 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The concert will be organised by iMe Entertainment Group AsiaSource: cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/riize-singapore-concert-2026-464066
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2-May-2025 🛬 inboundGrand Hyatt Singapore, located in Orchard Road, has been reopened after redevelopment. The hotel is now fully powered by renewable electricity in partnership with Flo Energy and features various systems to reduce its environmental impact. The hotel will implement digital check-ins, wooden keycards, and aluminium pens, as well as replace over 10,000 single-use plastic items annually, and utilise smart systems to manage lighting and temperature. Its water-efficient fittings contributed to the hotel’s Green Mark Platinum Certification. The hotel sources 80% of organic vegetables from local and regional farms, and 55% of the seafood is certified sustainable. The hotel will apply zero-waste cooking practices and will be the first in Singapore to use Wisefinds technology to track the carbon footprint of dishes. The hotel will also use WasteMaster 1000, a waste processing system to compose food waste into fish feed and rooftop garden fertiliser. The hotel plans to introduce an on-site water bottling system in 2025 to eliminate single-use plastic bottlesSource: travelweekly-asia.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/A-grand-green-comeback-for-Grand-Hyatt-Singapore
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30-Apr-2025 🌏 outboundAustralia is offering various offers for Singapore tourists as part of the SG60 celebrations. Until 18 May, Singaporeans can visit Tourism Australia’s website for a special Onz for a Great Aussie Getaway section to get the offersSource: ttgasia.com/2025/04/30/australia-launches-travel-deals-for-singaporeans-in-celebration-of-sg60/
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29-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundRateHawk, a B2B booking platform, recorded a strong growth in Asia with 4X YoY growth in 2024. The company opened its first Asian headquarters in Singapore. RateHawk reported +67% global growth in bookings in 2024, and 1.8X YoY increase in net booking value. The platform added 70 new global accommodation suppliers, bringing the total number of properties to 120,000. RateHawk is offering more than 2.6 million accommodation options. Its European train travel service recorded 25% of regular hotel bookers using it within 3 months since it was introducedSource: travelweekly-asia.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-News/B2B-bookings-for-hotels-and-flights-soar-in-Asia
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29-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundChinese Black Pearl Restaurant Guide hosted its 8th awards ceremony in Singapore on 25 Apr at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre. The event is being held for the first time outside China, showing Singapore’s long-term plans to be a global gourmet destination. The guide was first launched by Meituan in 2018, and has often been said to be an alternative to the European-centric Michelin Guide. 16 Singaporean restaurants made to the listSource: cnaluxury.channelnewsasia.com/experiences/black-pearl-restaurant-guide-china-singapore-restaurants-258421
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28-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundMeetingselect launched its Meeting Booking Widget for the Asia Pacific market at Novotel on Stevens in Singapore. This platform will offer meeting room reservations directly on their website. The widget is designed for Asia Pacific venues to support multi-language capabilities, customisable F&B selections, and integrated payment options. Novotel Singapore on Stevens introduced a new event platform, Connect@Stevens, which will incorporate AI-powered scheduling tools, customisable event packages, and networking algorithms. The platform will be roll out from 2025 and it was created together with MeetingselectSource: ttgmice.com/2025/04/28/meetingselect-debuts-apac-booking-widget-at-singapores-novotel-on-stevens/
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28-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundThe Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said the labour demand slowed in the Q1 2025 due to economic uncertainty and escalating global trade conflicts. Total employment excluding migrant domestic workers grew by 2,300 in Q1 2025, lower than 3,200 recorded in 2023 and below 7,700 recorded in Q4 2024. The unemployment rate was recorded at 2.9% in Q1 2025. The citizen unemployment rate was recorded at 3.1% in Mar. The number of retrenchments dropped to 3,300 in Q1 2025, vs 3,680 in Q4 2024. The retrenchment rate is low at 1.3 per 1,000 employees, a drop from 1.5 in Q4 2024Source: channelnewsasia.com/singapore/mom-labour-force-report-market-slows-q1-2025-economic-uncertainty-rentrenchments-dip-5093891
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28-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundA Dragon Trail International survey in Apr 2025 on Chinese tourists’ travel trends found when tourists plan to travel outbound in the next 12 months: In Apr for Qingming, 4% In May for Labour Day, 24% In Jun for Dragon Boat Festival, 10% In Jul-Aug for Summer Vacation, 54% In Oct for National Day & Mid-Autumn Festival, 45% In Jan for the New Year 2026, 5% In Feb for Chinese New Year, 13% Others, 5% The survey shows that out of 1,022 respondents, 41% considered safety while planning for their trips, 23% considered cuisine, 21% accommodation, 14% attractions, 11% transport, 6% price, 4% shopping, and 3% itinerary. Top travel destinations for the 68% who have already booked or plan to travel outside China for the rest of 2025 are Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Australia, Thailand, France, the Maldives, with Iceland and Malaysia both in 10th place. 50% of the respondents are inspired by Chinese social media platforms (Xiaohongshu, Douyin, WeChat, Weibo), 39% are inspired by family and friends, 30% by online travel agencies, 23% by TV shows and movies, and 20% by interest clubsSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/04/28/less-than-1-of-chinese-see-phl-as-desirable-vacation-destination/
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28-Apr-2025 👨✈️ aviationThe Director of Marketing and Communications for Dragon Trail International said that flight capacity to Malaysia has reached 126% with 487 weekly flights, and Singapore at 111% with 421 weekly flightsSource: businessmirror.com.ph/2025/04/28/less-than-1-of-chinese-see-phl-as-desirable-vacation-destination/
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27-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundSouth Korean singer-rapper J-Hope held his solo concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 26 AprSource: cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/bts-jhope-singapore-concert-review-2025-463846
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26-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundThe Deputy PM has said that whilst the US is not ready to lower its 10% tariff on Singapore imports, both sides have agreed to look at deepening economic linksSource: straitstimes.com/singapore/dpm-gan-us-not-ready-to-lower-tariff-on-imports-from-singapore-but-agrees-to-explore-way-forward
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25-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundEHL Hospitality Business School, in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), introduced the Tourism Leadership Excellence & Advancement Program (T-LEAP) for senior executives and business leaders to improve leadership, sustainability and technology capabilities. The 5-day program was held at the EHL Campus, Singapore. T-LEAP will focus on Leadership Excellence & Strategic Growth, Sustainability & Innovation, and Technology & Digital Transformation models. The participants can join the Singapore Leaders Network, a platform to support collaboration and knowledge exchangeSource: ttgasia.com/2025/04/25/ehl-hospitality-business-school-singapore-tourism-board-unveil-new-programme-to-empower-tourism-leaders/
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25-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundHeritageSG will organise the Singapore HeritageFest 2025 from 1-25 May, featuring over 100 programs. This edition will highlight cultural practices and will host workshops, tours, and exhibitions. Over 90 cultural practitioners and heritage businesses will collaborate on various activitiesSource: ttgasia.com/2025/04/25/singapore-heritagefest-2025-highlights-living-traditions-this-may/
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25-Apr-2025 👨✈️ aviationChangi Airport recorded 17.2 million passenger movements in Q1 2025, +4.3% YoY and +4.8% vs pre-pandemic levels. The airport handled 6.16 million passenger movements in Jan, 5.44 million in Feb, and 5.6 million in Mar. China was the biggest market for the airport in Q1 2025, followed by Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and Thailand. Changi Airport Group’s Executive Vice President said the passenger traffic in the 12 months to Mar 2025 reached 68.4 million, an all-time high exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The airport recorded 94,000 aircraft movements, including landings and take-offs, in Q1 2025, +5.2% YoY. Air traffic between Singapore and China recorded +10% YoY, and to Japan recorded +16% YoY in Q1 2025. Traffic to North America recorded +15.8% YoY. The airport recorded 67.7 million passengers in 2024, 99.1% vs pre-pandemic levels. In Q1 2025, 100 airlines were operating more than 7,200 weekly flights connecting 170 cities in 49 countries from Singapore. The CAG Chief Executive said they are using Aircraft 360 software to improve on-time performance at the airport. Once the system is fully implemented, Changi will be able to accommodate 12 more flights each day using the gates with an aerobridge during peak time. The system is being used in Terminal 2 and 3. CAG hosted its annual Changi Airline Awards at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore on 24 Apr. IndiGo received the Partner of the Year award. The airline operates 75 weekly flights between India and Singapore and has become the airport’s 5th largest foreign carrier by passenger traffic. Singapore Airlines, Scoot, AirAsia, Jetstar Asia Airways, and Qantas Airways received awards as wellSource: straitstimes.com/singapore/changi-airports-passenger-traffic-hits-17-2m-in-q1-2025
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25-Apr-2025 🌏 outboundThe Korea Travel Fair 2025: Your Gateway to K-Culture will be held at Plaza Singapura from 16-18 May, with Korean actor Lee Myung-gi from Squid Game set to make an appearanceSource: cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/yim-siwan-singapore-korea-travel-fair-2025-463801
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25-Apr-2025 👨✈️ aviationSingapore Airlines has partnered with OpenAI to develop and put into action AI solutions for the airline, including tools to improve its customer service, staff productivity and operational efficiency. It is Open AI’s first partnership with an airline. It will see the AI virtual assistant on the SIA website upgraded to include flight recommendations, more personalised customer experience and greater self-service capabilities. For the staff, AI will be integrated into their decision making processes, such as flight crew schedulingSource: businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/singapore-airlines-openai-link-build-ai-solutions-raise-efficiency-customer-service
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23-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundBooking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2025 surveyed 1,000 respondents from 34 countries, including Singapore. The report shows; 68% want their travel spending to benefit local communities 67% are motivated to leave destinations better compared to when they arrived 46% of Singaporean respondents are considering the social and environmental impact of their trips 49% of Singaporeans think tourism has a positive impact on the local communities, but many are concerned about tourism’s side effects For top concerns, 38% chose overcrowding, 34% high cost of living, 30% traffic congestion, and 30% noise pollution 22% of respondents support limiting visitors, 32% prefer better infrastructure improvements, such as better waste management, and 29% prefer public transport upgrades Over 52% of Singapore respondents said visitors respect local customs, and 54% support local businesses 78% are looking for authentic experiences that reflect local culture when travelling abroad 77% say travelling sustainably is important, and 91% have taken steps to travel sustainably 43% use reusable water bottles, 38% travel outside peak seasons, and 37% are learning about local traditions and historySource: sbr.com.sg/hotels-tourism/news/nearly-half-travellers-aware-tourisms-impact-local-communities
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22-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundSingapore Tourism Board (STB) recorded 4.31 million tourist arrivals in Q1 2025. 73.5% of the visitors, or 3.17 million, were overnight visitors, -3.3% YoY. In Mar, Singapore recorded 932,530 overnight visitors, -17.1% YoY. The average length of stay in Q1 2025 was at 3.49 days, +1.2% YoY. Top source markets in Q1 include: China, 831,470 tourists, +5.8% and 86.6% of pre-pandemic levels Indonesia, 640,260, -3.7% YoY and 88.3% of pre-pandemic levels Malaysia, 312,220, -0.5% YoY and +10.2% of pre-pandemic levelsSource: ggrasia.com/singapore-had-1-30-million-visitor-arrivals-in-march-down-11-5-percent-year-on-year-stb
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22-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundSingapore Tourism Board (STB) Regional Director for India said Indian tourists spend 6.5 days on average in Singapore, longer than the global average of 3.5 days. He added that better air connectivity has made Singapore a preferred transit hub for Bengaluru residentsSource: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/globetrotters-adventure-sports-to-retail-therapy-bengalureans-opt-for-varied-experiences/articleshow/120439639.cms
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22-Apr-2025 🌏 outboundStarCruises’ Star Voyager released its scheduled sailing from Singapore to; Phuket on a 3-night cruise from 15, 18, and 24 May Penang and Melaka on a 3-night cruise on 21 May HCMC on a 4-night cruise on 11, 15, 19 Jun The cruise will also offer trips from HCMC to Singapore on a 4-night trip on 13, 17, and 21 JunSource: traveldailynews.asia/cruises/starcruises-launches-new-short-haul-itineraries-from-singapore-and-ho-chi-minh-city/
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22-Apr-2025 🌏 outboundTaiwan Tourism Administration will host the Taiwan Travel Fair from 25-27 Apr at Marina Square in partnership with 31 organisations, including airlines, hotels, amusement parks, tourism associations, and 7 travel agencies, namely ASA Holiday, Chan Brothers Travel, CTC Travel, EU Holidays, Hong Thai Travel, Nam Ho Travel, and WTS Travel. On 28 Apr, they will host a B2B Taiwan Tourism Workshop with over 100 tourism industry representativesSource: themalaysianreserve.com/2025/04/22/taiwan-travel-fair-returns-to-singapores-marina-square-inviting-singaporean-travellers-to-take-a-sip-of-magical-taiwan/
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22-Apr-2025 👨✈️ aviationBrand Finance ranked Singapore Airlines at 15th place in the world's top 50 most valuable airline brands. The airline’s brand value increased by 22% to 2.7 billion USD in 2025. Changi Airport retained the top spot in the Airports 25 2025 ranking with a brand value increasing by 13% to $765 million USD. The airport recorded a 94.4/100 score of Brand Strength Index (BSI) and AAA+ brand strength ratingSource: brandfinance.com/press-releases/singapore-airlines-brand-value-takes-flight-with-double-digit-growth-after-two-years
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22-Apr-2025 👨✈️ aviationSingapore Tourism Board (STB) and AirAsia MOVE signed a Letter of Cooperation (LOC) to improve visitors’ experience, especially from Malaysia and Thailand. Tourists can get travel deals from AirAsia, which can combine flights, hotel stays, and event packages. A joint campaign will be launched in Q3 2025. STB will also work with AirAsia MOVE to improve the travel experience for Muslim travellers and promote muslim-friendly offerings in SingaporeSource: ttgasia.com/2025/04/22/singapore-tourism-board-airasia-move-to-boost-singapore-travel-experiences/
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21-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundThe Meetings Show Asia Pacific (TMS APAC) 2025 and the first Business Travel Show APAC took place from 16-17 Apr at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, welcoming 1,773 attendees from 72 countries, including 347 hosted buyers and 300 exhibitors, +35% YoY. Both shows offered over 30 hours of educational programming and 8,000 scheduled buyer-seller meetingsSource: meetings-conventions-asia.com/News/Events/A-roaring-launch-for-TMS-APAC-2025-and-the-Debut-Business-Travel-Show
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21-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundEHL Hospitality Business School Lecturer said he expects Lady Gaga’s concert to generate $100-$200 million in tourism receipts compared to $300 million for Swift’s 6-night concerts in Mar 2024. The Managing Director at MasterConsult Services expects 200,000 visitors for Lady Gaga’s concert. A Professor at the Singapore University of Social Sciences expects the concert to generate $200-$250 million in revenue in both the entertainment and tourism sectorsSource: sbr.com.sg/hotels-tourism/exclusive/can-lady-gaga-match-taylor-swift-effect
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21-Apr-2025 🛬 inboundThe National Environment Agency (NEA) said Changi Beach is safe for water activities following an oil spill incident on 3 Apr. The oil spill incident took place near the Johor River, where 1.6 cubic metres of oil leaked from the Langsat Terminal tank, affecting fish farms in the East Johor Strait and Chek Jawa Wetlands. NEA said Pasir Ris Beach’s water quality returned to normal levels on 15 AprSource: straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/changi-beach-now-safe-for-swimming-says-nea-following-johor-oil-spill
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21-Apr-2025 🌏 outboundAs part of Chan Brothers Travel’s 60th anniversary, they are offering exclusive offers and discounts such as a $600 SGD discount for families of 6. Chan Brothers also plans to plant 60 trees in Singapore to show their commitment to sustainability. Chan Brothers' Director said they met with the Industry Minister of Bhutan and planned to charter 12 direct flights to the country. She said they will charter about 5 flights per year for the past 10 years, but are planning to offer more than 2X flights in 2025. She added they are seeing an interest in destinations like South America, Mongolia, and Central Asia, such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Chan Brothers began to promote Oman and Tunisia following demands from the customers. The agency also sends 15-20 groups to Antarctica and GreenlandSource: ttgasia.com/2025/04/21/shaping-the-next-chapter/
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19-Apr-2025 🌏 outboundChongqing recorded an increase in arrivals from Malaysia and Indonesia, 10X YoY; Singapore, 5X YoY; and Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, 3X YoY. Chongqing Xingrui International Travel Agency’s General Manager stated that Vietnam and Cambodian tourists prefer 4-5 day tours, while Indonesians, prominently of Chinese descent, prefer 8-9 day trips. A tour guide said visitors from Singapore and Malaysia prefer shopping and photography while visiting Chongqing, and they get travel ideas from Xiaohongshu and TikTok. The city has deployed 2,550 new POS machines for payment and opened 95 new foreign exchange service points. Chongqing launched direct flights to Penang and KuchingSource: ichongqing.info/2025/04/19/chongqings-inbound-tourism-from-malaysia-and-indonesia-soars-1000/
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