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 Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has introduced the Greater Sentosa Master Plan covering 500ha Sentosa and 120ha Brani islands, offering new spaces for hotels, attractions, and lifestyle experiences. The attractions will be introduced in stages from the 2030s and are expected to be completed in 2045. Among the projects planned are: Imbiah Lookout Walk, linking Sensoryscape to Imbiah Lookout and surrounding trails and slated for completion in the early 2030s; Imbiah Canopy on Mount Imbiah with an experiential dining concept, as well as cafes, hotels, and boutique restaurants in the heritage buildings located in the Imbiah Canopy Plaza below; Island Heart Transport Hub, connecting the mainland, Brani, and Sentosa, including a new people-mover system to replace the 2.1km Sentosa Express Monorail; Brani West attractions; Sensorium complex in Siloso Beach; Upgrades to the beachfront and islets along Sentosa island beaches

Singapore launched a new heritage trail called “In Place and Progress: Tracing the Rule of Law Through Singapore’s Legal Landmarks” to highlight the colonial-era legal history. The trail commemorates the 200th year of Singapore’s legal system under SGLaw200. It will be open from 11 Jul until the end of 2026. There will be a roving exhibition titled “In Practice: The Rule of Law in Our Singapore Store” as part of the event, the exhibition will be held at Harbourfront Library in Aug 2026

Seek Sophie, an experiential booking platform, is looking to expand on the international corporate events market, utilising its local B2B footprint in Singapore. Inbound corporate groups contribute 10% to 20% of Seek Sophie’s overall corporate business. Its co-founder said international corporate groups are moving away from traditional itineraries and looking to incorporate deeper local engagement. She added “makers, storytellers, naturalists, and artisans can show a very different side of the city”

Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) reported an increase in demand for hotel stays which combine space, convenience, and family-friendly experiences. MHR launched its Family Staycation Packages in May in participating hotels in Singapore, including family-friendly room options, children’s dining benefits, and other family-friendly amenities. MHR Chief Commercial Officer said the packages was well received by the young families, with an increase in bookings, and the demand is expected to increase throughout Aug during the summer school holiday period

Singapore GP added new performers for the entertainment programme during the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2026, which will be held at the Marina Bay Street Circuit from 9-11 Oct. The new performers are Janet Jackson, JJ Lin, Zara Larsson, and James Arthur. Singapore GP will make more announcements in the coming weeks

Aman Singapore announced its new luxury residential project, the Skywaters, which will be the tallest tower in Singapore, located at the Central Business District, Marina Bay. The project will feature Aman-branded residences, including two Sky villas, penthouses, and residences. The residence will have access to an Aman Spa and Wellness Centre

Northstar Travel Group announced the first TEAMS (Travel, Events and Management in Sports) Asia Pacific event in Singapore, which will be held from 21-22 Apr 2027. The event will gather sports-event organisers. The event will be held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in conjunction with several other events, including The Meetings Show Asia Pacific, the Business Travel Show Asia Pacific and GTM Luxury Asia Pacific

In conjunction with the 10th edition of the Singapore Garden Festival at Gardens by the Bay, an 8m-high floral roller coaster installation will be put up. The festival will be held from 4-12 Jul across The Meadow, Supertree Grove and Flower Dome, organised by the National Parks Board (NParks) and Gardens by the Bay

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced Malaysia-registered taxis will have to pay $15 SGD per trip starting Jan 2027, up from the current $2 SGD per month. LTA said this is to narrow the cost gap between Malaysia-registered taxis and Singapore-registered taxis operating in Singapore. LTA added that the original fee has not changed since it was first introduced more than 30 years ago

The Hari brand luxury hotel will open in spring 2027 at the former Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre hotel. This is Harilela Hotel’s 3rd property under the Hari brand, following The Hari London and The Hari Hong Kong

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and POP MART will present “CRYBABY: Cry ME an Ocean” at the Singapore Oceanarium. The limited-time activation features 11 photo zones

The Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) warned that Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore could face severe transboundary haze from Aug-Sep 2026, following the threats from El Nino and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) weather phenomena. SIIA published its Haze Outlook 2026 report on 24 Jun

Singapore’s hotel bookings have increased ahead of BTS’s concerts in Dec 2026. A report by CNA found that one hotel has increased its prices by nearly 10X of usual, and some hotels have already sold out. Trip.com Singapore General Manager said they received a surge in conversion in hotel bookings for 16-22 Dec during the 3-5 Jun ticket sale period. Trip.com added that this was similar to the trend during Taylor Swift and Blackpink converts, but BTS received a “more dramatic” response. Nearly 50% of the bookings are for 4-star hotels, and 3-star hotels record another 20% (50X YoY). The tourists were mainly from Asia, led by China and Japan, followed by other Southeast Asian countries. Trip.com added nearly 25% of bookings concentrated in the Bugis and Kampong Glam areas

95-octane petrol across Caltex, Esso, Shell, Sinopec and SPC is now priced at $3.42 SGD per litre, based on the Consumers Association of Singapore's Price Kaki tracking app, down from $3.46 SGD per litre on 19 Jun. 92-octane petrol is priced at $3.39 SGD per litre at Caltex, Esso and SPC. Diesel prices are hovering between $4.16 SGD and $4.22 SGD per litre

Data from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) shows the core inflation has reached 1.4% in May 2026, and it is expected to increase over time due to higher energy costs. Overall inflation in May 2026 remains at 1.8% as of Apr 2026

Visa’s 2026 Global Travel Intentions (GTI) study, which surveyed over 47,000 consumers worldwide, including over 17,000 respondents across Asia Pacific, found that travellers are making calculated decisions on selecting destinations, planning itineraries, and managing spending: The most popular destinations are Japan (19% of respondents), Australia (7%), Thailand (5%), South Korea (5%), and Hong Kong (5%) Japan (28%) is also the most popular in terms of travel intention for the next 12 months, followed by Australia at 16%, and Hong Kong and South Korea at 13% each 63% of respondents travelled within the Asia Pacific region, followed by Central Europe, the Middle East and Africa (16%), Europe (13%) and North America (6%) 37% plan trips around unique local experiences, especially food and cultural activities, exceeding the global average of 29% 25% said they would travel to attend a major event, such as the FIFA World Cup, Formula 1, and K-pop performances 49% of Asia Pacific respondents use AI tools to discover destinations and travel ideas, while 41% use AI to gather reviews and recommendations, and 35% to identify local tours and experiences 33% of respondents said payment security was their top concern, while 27% cited card acceptance 73% of travellers carry payment cards or mobile wallets during their trips 79% booked accommodation before travelling, but only 51% reserved experiences in advance 72% of dining choices are made during the trip, while 65% of transport decisions are finalised after arrival

The Singapore Cruise Centre will relocate to 5 HarbourFront Avenue (70m away from the existing terminal) from 15 Jul with immediate effect, whilst the HarbourFront Centre shopping mall will stop operations from 27 Jul. Batam Fast Ferry will be the first operator to start from the new terminal on 7 Jul, and all other operators will follow from 15 Jul

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the MoU signing between the US and Iran to cease all military operations in the Middle East and establish a framework to negotiate outstanding issues in 60 days

Mastercard and CrescentRating released the 11th edition of the Global Muslim Travel Index 2026. The report shows 80% of travellers are now using AI tools for travel, highlighting the need of Muslim-fiendly services to be available digitally to make them visible. GMTI 2026 evaluates 150 destinations, representing 98% of global Muslim visitor arrivals, within the ACES framework: Access, Communications, Environment and Services. GMTI 2026 also found that the travellers are adjusting their itineraries to regional destinations, instead of long-haul routes through complex transit hubs, to avoid cancelling their plans. Southeast Asia has become a leading destination for 2026 for Asian Muslim travellers for its proximity, air connectivity, and halal ecosystem. Mindanao, the Philippines, was recognised as the Most Promising Muslim-friendly Region (Non-OIC) and Jawa Barat, Indonesia, is the Most Promising Muslim-friendly Region (OIC). Asia records nearly 128 million Muslim arrivals, and a 20.8% market penetration. Malaysia retained its position as the Top Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year for the 11th consecutive year, with a score of 83, followed by Indonesia, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia at second place with 79 points. Among non-OIC destinations, Singapore ranked 1st for non-OIC destinations, and 10th globally with 73 points, and Thailand and the Philippines also showed momentum

Singapore welcomed 7 million visitors from Jan-May 2026, -1.2% YoY, based on Singapore Tourism Board (STB) data, including 5.1 million overnight visitors, -2.2% YoY. This represents 40% of STB’s 2026 target of 17-18 million visitor arrivals. The average length of stay dropped to 3.41 days, -2.3% YoY, and visitor days dropped to 23.87 million, -3.5%. In May 2026, only 1.24 million visitor arrivals were recorded, -9.7% YoY, lower than 1.33 million in Apr 2026 and 1.43 million in Mar 2026. The top markets in May 2026 were China with 204,640 arrivals (-15.6% YoY), Indonesia with 170,130 (-14% YoY), India with 144,010, Malaysia with 111,910, and Australia with 83,510. Overall, the top markets from Jan-May 2026 were China with 1.34 million arrivals, Indonesia (966,170), Malaysia (549,900), Australia (510,530), and India (498,110). Those aged 25-34 and 35-44 accounted for 1.44 million and 1.45 million arrivals, respectively. 79.4% of the visitors arrived via air in Jan-May, followed by 10.5% via land, and 10.1% via sea

ComfortDelGro (CDG) will offer free driverless shuttle rides for Punggol residents from 22 Jun 2026. CDG and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said this will be offered daily, with services on Mondays and Fridays reserved for groups, families, and those who need assistance. CDG has yet to set a fare for the service. Grab’s AV shuttle, which launched on 1 Apr 2026, recorded 5,000 passengers and over 60,000km of AV driving mileage as of 12 Jun 2026

The construction of Singapore’s first wellness attraction in Marina South, Therme Singapore, will begin in Q3 2026. The 7-storey facility is expected to open in 2030. It will house more than 20 pools and water features and over 70 wellness treatment rooms. The developer states they want to make the facility accessible to everyone during the groundbreaking ceremony

Singapore announced there will be 11 public holidays with 5 long weekends in 2027

Singapore launched the Towards Resource Efficiency And Sustainability for Urban Environments (TREASURES) centre to study waste management and transform Semakau Landfill, which is slated to reach its full capacity by 2035. The Centre is established by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). TREASURES will look into opportunities to recover resources from Semakau Landfill, as well as develop technologies and standards to repurpose these materials for other uses. $35 million SGD has been allocated for the centre from the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan and NTU will host the institute for the centre from 1 Jan 2026 to 31 Mar 2030. Singapore also announced plans to review Singapore’s Zero Waste Masterplan for 2030, which is targeting to increase the overall recycling rate to 70% and reduce waste per person to Semakau Landfill by 30%

Singapore Air Force Museum, located beside Paya Lebar Air Base, reopened on 16 Jun after being closed for renovation since Nov. The museum now features immersive technology and augmented reality experiences, as well as an expanded collection of artefacts showcasing the Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) development

Singapore will push for regional AI adoption and cross-border data flow when the country assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027. The Minister for Digital Development and Information said Singapore will encourage better AI adoption among SMEs across ASEAN

The International Energy Agency (IEA) released a report highlighting key risks for Southeast Asia, which could lose billions of dollars if the region failed to diversify its sources of energy quickly. The agency stated that an overreliance on oil and gas, which are transported through the Strait of Hormuz, has made Southeast Asia vulnerable to shocks from the Middle East crisis. Following the crisis, there is an increase in electric vehicle sales, a renewed interest in nuclear power, and an increase in rooftop solar and other renewable energy installations. The report also warns that Southeast Asia’s energy import bill could increase to $245 billion USD by 2035, 3X of $80 billion USD in 2024, if reforms are not made. IEA states Southeast Asia needs to reduce its overall demand for imported fossil fuels

Batam Fast Ferry will shift its operations from the new Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront) on 7 Jul 2026, followed by other operators from 15 Jul 2026. The Singapore Cruise Centre said there won’t be any changes to ferry routes

The Manpower Ministry (MOM) reported retrenchment has increased to 3,830 in Q1 2026, vs 3,690 in Q4 2025. The total employment grew by 9,400 in Q1 2026, vs 17,700 in Q4 2025. Unemployment rate reached 2% overall in Mar 2026, 2.9% for residents and 3.1% for citizens. The Manpower Minister said that Artificial Intelligence is changing how people work, and so far “it's actually helping to reshape jobs more than replace them". Data from Apr 2026 shows 6.2% of firms which are implementing or piloting AI usage have reduced their headcount, and 8.5% are reporting lower hiring. 18.9% of companies are redesigning job functions after adopting AI, and 28.5% of Singaporean companies have adopted AI

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched new business events initiatives and announced a S$700 million capital injection during the 8th Greater China MICE Conference in Xinjiang, targeting high-value Chinese corporate events and trade delegates. Singapore also launched the inaugural Singapore Attendance Building Consultants (SgABC) Program. STB appointed five Chinese MICE intermediaries, Beijing Capital Group Exhibitions & Events, China International Exhibition Centre Group, China National Machinery Industry International, Huiyuan Culture Development Group, and Shanghai International Exhibition (Group) Co. as pilot channel partners. These companies will leverage their domestic networks in the energy, healthcare, tech-manufacturing, logistics, and retail sectors. STB also signed a three-year MoU with the Sino-Commercial Overseas Industrial Alliance (SCOIA) to establish its Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore. In addition, STB named five Chinese travel agencies, including Bravolinks and Shanghai Airlines Tours, as preferred partners for destination training and fam trips

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has suspended travel agency Vacanza Global Travel for its failure to meet the licensing requirement of maintaining a net value of at least $100,000 SGD at all times. The suspension was issued on 15 Jun, and will remain for six months or until the company submits proof that it has a net value of at least $100,000 SGD. If they failed the requirements by the end of its suspension, STB may revoke the company’s license

The Flower Market installation by Australian artist Cj Hendry was extended until 15 Jun 2026 following an overwhelming demand. The entry for the event is free, and each person is entitled to one free plush flower stalk

Data from Travelex Japan during the Golden Week period shows that sales of the Singapore dollar among Japanese travellers increased by 23.6%, followed by the Vietnamese dong at 19.9%, Thai baht at 18.2%, and South Korean won at 13.4%. However, sales of the Chinese yuan fell by 32.9%, in line with a 56.8% year-on-year decline in outbound travel to China, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, amid tensions between the two countries

The National Parks Board (NParks) launched a new nature immersion trail at Saraca Stream near Tanglin Gate on 11 Jun, covering natural elements and a multi-sensory journey. The US-based Association of Nature and Forest Therapy has certified the 150m-long trail in 2026

The Global Wellness Institute has reported that Singapore’s wellness economy grew at an annual rate of 8.2%, exceeding the global average of 7.9%, with wellness spending per capita at $3,845 USD, 8X the Asian average

Malaysia is considering a special lane at the immigration checkpoint at the Johor-Singapore border for Johor voters in the upcoming Johor poll. The Home Minister stated that the ministry and the Immigration Department will take appropriate steps once the Election Commission (EC) announces the dates for the poll. Johor State Assembly was dissolved on 1 Jun, and a snap election must be held within the next 60 days by 31 Jul

Chinatown Singapore will host the Happy Dragon Boat Festival on 13 Jun 2026. In conjunction with the school holidays, Chinatown will offer a series of programmes, including the Draw Your Chinatown Children's Art Competition from 27–28 Jun, inviting young visitors to explore Smith Street and Pagoda Street, and the Chinatown Stamp Rally, which encourages visitors to collect stamps while exploring the area

The Police received at least 62 scam reports involving BTS concert tickets since 1 Jun, with losses worth at least $68,200. The victims came across offers for the concert ticket sales on social media platforms and the online marketplace, Carousell. All tickets for the Singapore shows have been sold out, with Klook exhausting its allocation on 6 Jun. The Police have reminded the fans that only concert tickets from authorised platforms such as Ticketmaster are valid, and the tickets cannot be resold. The Police have reached out to Carousell and X, a social media platform, to take down listings related to concert ticket resale

Singapore's President is on his state visit to Tanzania and stated Singapore will negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA) with a bloc of 8 East African countries (EAC). The countries in EAC are Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda. Tanzania President has invited Singapore to set up an embassy in Tanzania

Grab has rolled out its Grab Full House Mission to help F&B SMEs increase their visibility among diners. Grab’s Managing Director said 84% of Singapore-based users discovered new restaurants or stores through the Grab app, while 61% of users open the Grab app without deciding on what to order. Under this initiative, Grab will feature popular F&B outlets and iconic food venues, such as Tanjong Pagar, Holland Village, and Jalan Besar, on Grab’s Dine Out campaigns. This program is developed in partnership with Enterprise Singapore to increase footfall and visibility for the merchants in selected precincts. The first campaign in Tanjong Pagar will run from 26 May to 25 Jul 2026, followed by Holland Village and Jalan Besar later in 2026. Grab will work with EnterpriseSG and SkillsFuture Singapore for the next 3 years to offer 4 workshops and masterclasses. Grab will provide industry insights twice a year on consumer trends, practical ways to use AI, and digital marketing

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has introduced a guided tour of Sultan Shoal Lighthouse, the 4th-oldest lighthouse in Singapore. The 3-hour guided tour will begin from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal and include a visit to the lighthouse

Singapore is looking to ease regulations to allow the development of hotels in heritage precincts at Boat Quay and Beach Road, near the Singapore River, according to the Minister for National Development. He said the move follows feedback from the industry and aims to provide greater flexibility for developers and business owners to offer more diverse experiences for visitors. He made the remarks during the opening ceremony of i Light Singapore in the Marina Bay district and added that Singapore is looking to introduce more experiential lighting installations across the city

Gardens by the Bay is hosting its signature school holiday program, Children’s Festival, until 21 Jun featuring Winnie the Pooh concept