Singapore is on track to set a new record for international arrivals in 2025, outpacing regional competitors like Thailand and the Philippines. The country’s Travel & Tourism industry is expected to contribute nearly $80 billion to the economy by the end of the decade, creating over 637,000 jobs.
According to the latest research by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Singapore is set to surpass its previous record for international arrivals this year. Forecasts indicate that nearly 16 million visitors will arrive in 2025, representing a 9.6% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
A significant portion of this growth is attributed to Indian tourists, whose numbers are expected to rise from 1.11 million in 2019 to a record 1.25 million in 2025. Despite the slower recovery of outbound travel from China worldwide, Singapore is projected to welcome 2.8 million Chinese visitors this year—paving the way for continued expansion in 2026.
WTTC Acknowledges Singapore’s Progress
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson praised Singapore’s progress, stating,
“Singapore is leading global tourism growth, breaking records, and surpassing regional rivals. With increasing arrivals from India and a resurgence in Chinese tourism, the city-state’s tourism sector is operating at full capacity.”
In 2024, Singapore’s Travel & Tourism sector is expected to generate $66.1 billion, contributing 9.8% to GDP and supporting a record 570,000 jobs. By 2030, these numbers are projected to climb to nearly $80 billion, marking a 19% increase from 2019. The sector will also employ over 637,000 people, an increase of more than 90,000 jobs since 2019.
Sustainability Efforts & Regional Impact
Singapore is also making strides in sustainability. Between 2019 and 2023, greenhouse gas emissions from Travel & Tourism declined by 4.1% annually, reducing the sector’s share from 23.5% to 18.4%. To further its commitment to environmental responsibility, Singapore will introduce a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate in 2026, requiring all departing flights to use at least 1% SAF.
On a broader scale, Southeast Asia’s Travel & Tourism sector is projected to contribute nearly $379 billion to the region’s economy in 2024, accounting for 9.7% of GDP and supporting approximately 42.5 million jobs. By 2030, the sector’s economic contribution is expected to reach $551 billion, reflecting a 48% increase from 2019, while employment is forecasted to exceed 51.5 million jobs.
Despite these impressive figures, the WTTC is urging governments to strengthen environmental policies, particularly by accelerating SAF adoption and increasing the minimum usage requirement.
With a booming tourism industry and sustainable initiatives in place, Singapore is setting a global benchmark for growth and innovation in the travel sector.