Singapore is on track to smash its all-time international visitor numbers record this year, and outpace the inbound tourism growth of other major south-east Asian destinations such as Thailand and the Philippines, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
According to latest WTTC research, Singapore’s international arrivals are projected to reach almost 16 million people in 2025 – 9.6% above pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
India is fuelling a major tourism surge, with arrivals to Singapore from there expected to jump from just over 1.11 million in 2019 to 1.25 million tourists 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 2.8 million, 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.
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.”
