Singapore’s tourism industry has achieved a historic breakthrough. According to the latest data from the Singapore Tourism Board, 327,000 tourists from China visited Singapore in February 2024, representing an eightfold increase compared to just 35,300 during the same period in 2023. This surge has become a major driving force behind Singapore’s tourism recovery.
Visa-Free Policy Drives Explosive Growth in Chinese Tourism
The dramatic rise in Chinese tourist numbers is closely linked to the visa-free policy implemented on February 9, 2024. Under this policy, holders of ordinary Chinese passports can stay in Singapore for up to 30 days without a visa. This move significantly lowered the entry threshold for Chinese tourists and paved the way for a tourism boom.
The policy was introduced at a time when the global travel industry is steadily recovering from the pandemic, giving Singapore an edge as a standout destination in Asia and beyond.
China Becomes Largest Source of Tourists, Accounting for 22% of Total Arrivals
According to the tourism board, Singapore welcomed approximately 1.44 million international visitors in February 2024, marking a 50% year-on-year increase. Among them, Chinese tourists accounted for 22%, topping the list with 327,000 visitors, and firmly establishing themselves as the leading contributors to Singapore’s tourism market.
Other major source countries included:
Indonesia: 190,000 visitors
Malaysia: 100,000 visitors
Australia and the United Kingdom also showed steady growth in arrivals.
Average Length of Stay Declines Amid Rising Costs
Despite the record-breaking number of arrivals, the average length of stay in Singapore declined slightly. From 3.79 days in February 2023, it dropped to 3.46 days in February 2024, a decrease of nearly 9%.
Industry analysts attribute this trend to rising living and accommodation costs in Singapore. High hotel rates and daily expenses have become burdensome for some travelers, leading many to shorten their stays.
Optimistic Annual Outlook: Up to 16 Million Visitors Expected in 2024
The Singapore Tourism Board forecasts between 15 million and 16 million tourist arrivals in 2024, with estimated tourism revenue reaching SGD 27 billion. Chinese tourists are seen as a key force in this wave of recovery, boosting local spending and reinforcing Singapore’s status as a leading global destination.
With the visa-free policy encouraging travel demand and continued improvements to tourism infrastructure and services, Singapore is expected to attract even more international visitors — particularly from China — in the months ahead.
