Tourexpi
Singapore’s Travel Boom: International Arrivals Set to Break Records in 2025
The
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today
reveals that Singapore is on track to smash its all-time international arrivals
record this year, outpacing other major Southeast Asian destinations such as
Thailand and the Philippines.
According
to the latest research, international arrivals are projected to reach almost
16MN in 2025 – 9.6% above pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
India
is fuelling a major tourism surge, with arrivals expected to jump from just
over 1.11MN in 2019 to 1.25MN in 2025 — the highest on record.
Despite
a slow rebound in outbound travel from China globally, record numbers of
Chinese visitors are set to head to Singapore this year, to reach almost 2.8MN,
setting the stage for further growth in 2026.
International
arrivals to Thailand are also set to break all records this year with a 5%
growth, whilst the Philippines will come within touching distance of its
previous high of 2019.
Malaysia
is expected to see international visitor numbers rise by almost 10% ahead of
2019 levels and is expected to break its previous high reached in 2016, by
almost 7% this year.
WTTC
President & CEO, Julia Simpson, said “Singapore is setting the pace for
global tourism growth, breaking records, and outpacing its regional rivals.
With soaring visitor numbers expected from India, and a return of Chinese
travellers, the city-state’s tourism engine is running at full throttle.
“This
is not just a comeback – it is a transformation. Singapore is leading in
innovation and sustainability, and its Travel & Tourism sector is on course
to be stronger than ever, driving jobs, growth, and economic prosperity for
years to come.”
A
Booming Economic Engine
In
2024, Travel & Tourism was projected to pump $66.1BN into Singapore’s
economy, accounting for 9.8% of GDP, and support a record 570,000 jobs.
By
the end of the decade, the sector is expected to contribute almost $80BN to the
economy, 19% above its previous high in 2019.
Travel
& Tourism is also forecast to support over 637,000 jobs, marking an
increase of over 90,000 more since 2019.
Singapore’s
SAF Leadership
Singapore’s
greenhouse gas emissions from Travel & Tourism dropped 4.1% per year
between 2019 and 2023, reducing the sector’s share from 23.5% to 18.4%.
However,
despite being home to the world’s largest SAF plant, low-carbon energy
currently powers just under 2.5% of the Travel & Tourism sector.
The
upcoming SAF mandate will require all departing flights to incorporate 1% SAF
from 2026. In contrast, other major tourism economies, such as the United
Kingdom and Japan, have set targets of 10% SAF adoption by 2030.
Boosting
the Regional Economy
In
2024, the Travel & Tourism sector was expected to generate nearly $379BN
USD for Southeast Asia’s economy, representing 9.7% of the region’s GDP and
supporting approximately 42.5MN jobs.
By
2030, the sector's economic contribution is projected to reach nearly $551BN
USD — 48% above 2019. Employment in Travel & Tourism is also forecast to
hit 51.5MN jobs, an increase of over 10MN since 2019.
Southeast
Asia’s Environmental Footprint
Southeast
Asia’s Travel & Tourism sector saw an annual decline of 7% per year between
2019 and 2023, reducing its contribution from over 10% to just under 7% of the
regional total.
Currently,
low-carbon energy accounts for just under 5.5% of the sector’s power supply.
WTTC
is urging the government to bring forward the mandate to this year and increase
the minimal usage target.
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Global Travel Buyer Index (GTBI): Current situation assessed more cautiously - expectation
Dr. Fried & Partner and ITB Berlin publish the results of the Global Travel Buyer Index (GTBI) for the second quarter of 2025.
easyJet and easyJet holidays announce 11 new routes and package holidays
easyJet and easyJet holidays have revealed 11 new routes from Newcastle Airport for summer 2026, with thousands of package holidays now on sale today to the range of brand-new destinations.
Emirates forges interline partnership with Bahamasair
Emirates and Bahamasair have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an interline partnership benefitting customers travelling to The Bahamas.
Northern Lights meet City Heights: Finnair announces route to Toronto
Set to launch on 4 May 2026, the connection will bridge Finnair’s home hub, Helsinki, with Toronto, Canada’s largest city and a global leader in business, finance, technology, entertainment, and culture.
Riyadh Air partners with Air France-KLM!
Riyadh Air, a new airline from Saudi Arabia, has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Air France-KLM. This means they are teaming up to work together and create special connections between their airlines. Imagine flying to amazing places ar
Palma's beaches (Mallorca) will lose 1,750 sun loungers in 2026 due to rising sea levels.
Palma's beaches (Mallorca) will lose 1,750 sun loungers by 2026 due to rising sea levels | Photo: Giulio Ris
Tanzania to host World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025
World Travel Awards (WTA) will host its Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025 in the enchanting nation of Tanzania, with travel industry leaders from across the region attending the VIP reception at Johari Rotana Dar es Salaam on 28 June 2025.
Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways: Codeshares now also possible on long-haul flights
Sales launch of codeshare connections for long-haul flights from July 1, 2025
History happened here: Historic Hotels and Palatial Retreats across Kempinski’s Global Portfolio
From the banks of the Bosphorus to the capitals of Europe, Kempinski Hotels features a collection of historic hotels and magnificent palaces steeped in history
IHG Hotels and Resorts acquires Ruby, its 20th brand, and targets global expansion
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) has acquired from Ruby SARL the RubyTM brand and related intellectual property for initial purchase consideration of €110.5m (~$116m1). Ruby is a premium urban lifestyle brand for modern travellers in must-vi
Pet Travel just got upgraded
Pet travel has just been upgraded with the unveiling today of Irish Ferries’ brand-new “Pet Den” lounges. And, while dogs, cats, and even ferrets have always been welcome onboard Irish Ferries vessels, they can now travel in elevated comfort an
Emblems Collection announces first flagship with Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
Currently operating as a renowned country house hotel, Lucknam Park will officially join the Emblems Collection in Q4 2025. This landmark moment will see the British icon as the first Emblems property celebrating intimate luxury, unique character, el
Rosewood Mandarina opens on the xhores of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit
Marking the beginning of a new era of luxury in Mexico, the highly anticipated Rosewood Mandarina welcomes guests to enjoy the captivating energy and cultural reverence of the Pacific coast. Nearly a decade in the making, this all-suite sanctuary was
Shaikha Al Nowais Nominated as First Woman Secretary-General of UN
The UN Tourism Executive Council has met again for a milestone session to build on the legacy of the last eight years. Meeting for its 123rd session, the Council assessed progress made around the priorities of innovation, investments and education an
Thailand strengthens regional Tourism Cooperation with GMS and Bhutan at TTM+ 2025
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) strengthened regional tourism cooperation by bringing together agencies from the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and representatives from the Kingdom of Bhutan during Thailand’s premier travel trade event, Tha
Seoul Releases Global Tourism Campaign Featuring Star Chef Edward Lee
The Seoul Tourism Organization is set to release a global promotional campaign featuring renowned star Chef and Seoul Honorary Ambassador, Edward Lee.
Turkish Airlines turns up the heat with extra summer flights
Turkish Airlines is ramping up its summer 2025 schedule with additional flights from the UK and Ireland to Istanbul and beyond.
TAP Air Portugal launches direct flight from Terceira to San Francisco
TAP Air Portugal has launched a direct flight from the Azores to San Francisco, connecting UK and Irish passengers travelling via Portugal to California.
IHG Hotels & Resorts signs dual-branded property in London’s vibrant Waterloo
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of a dual branded hotel complex in Central London: voco hotel London – Waterloo and Hotel Indigo & Suites London – Waterloo. Signed in partnership wit
Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines start strategic codeshare partnership
Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines activated their codeshare agreement, strengthening connectivity between Africa and Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. This bilateral partnership enhances global travel opportunities for guests, with seats available to
Turkish Airlines Signature Podcast and Videocast Series Completes its First Season
With the debut of its signature podcast and videocast, Turkish Airlines Series, the brand has taken a step into audio-visual storytelling, offering curated travel content, inspiring insights, and insider perspectives from Türkiye and beyond.
