Singapore is expecting more than 1.5 million tourists in 2024 and is now focused on increasing and improving its hospitality infrastructure, like hotel rooms. It is now working for seamless and easy visas for them, as per the statement of a senior official. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore received about 1.4 million Indian visitors in 2019, which then decreased to 1.1 million in 2023. Now it’s 2024, and the STB, i.e., Singapore Tourism Board, expects the numbers to increase up to 1.5 million; however, no specific target is given.
The Singapore Tourism Board, with its three offices in Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai, is continuously working on getting seamless and easy visas for tourists, as Executive Director of Exhibition & Conference Poh Chi Chan at STB told PTI.
Singapore is now working on its infrastructure for visitors and business travelers by adding 9000 more new hotel rooms, which are indeed to an exciting 72000 hotel rooms. The development is not only seeking Indian tourist traffic but also taking into account the business travelers, as well as the fact that both countries are now growing in trade. Poh Chi Chan hoped “The flights between India and Singapore get back to the pre-pandemic level. He also said “We need visitors to come and fill these rooms”. He added,” We also see a lot of opportunities coming up in India in sectors such as pharma, BioMed, IT, and FinTech. These are very strong industries for Singapore to increase bilateral trade,”.
In a press conference, Mr Poh added that new carriers are operating in India, and when the time comes and these start flying internationally, there will be an increment in the number of tourists definitely. He said “We also see a lot of opportunities coming up in India in sectors such as pharma, BioMed, IT and FinTech. These are very strong industries for Singapore to increase bilateral trade.”
On the other hand, managing director of global retail event Ryf Quail said the APAC edition of NRF is expecting between 5 to 10 percent of delegates for the 5000-participant strong Singapore show that will be held in June annually in New York. This event’s main objective is to bring together industry leaders and stakeholders from all across the Asia Pacific to explore options in retail and digital commerce. The event underscores Singapore’s position as a leading destination for conferences and business events owing to the lineup of esteemed and reputed delegates and speakers that are also comprised of prominent Indian organizations.
Highlighting the significance of Indian tourists for not only tourism but also business travel, Singapore is keen to strengthen its bilateral tie-ups and trade relations. Singapore also hosts large-scale exhibitions and conferences, with an aim for advanced technologies to facilitate partnerships and collaborations.