Singapore

Light to Night Singapore, an event under the Singapore Art Week, will be held from 17 Jan-6 Feb

Northeast monsoon conditions are expected to be made worse by La Nina weather patterns with it expected to stay rainy for the next couple of months, until June

Singapore Airlines (SIA) extended its title sponsorship of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix to 4 years until the 2028 edition. The 2025 season’s Singapore Grand Prix will be held from 3-5 Oct

Nearly 400 tour slots for visitors to the NUS campus have been booked for 13 Jan-7 Feb. NUS is training 74 students to conduct the tours

The Singapore Tourism Board suspended 8 travel agents in Dec 2024 – 7 were suspended for failing to submit their audited statements and 1 was suspended for failing to maintain minimum financial requirement and failing to pay financial penalty. The suspension will be in effect until they submit the relevant documents or for 6 months

The new boardwalk at Mandai Wildlife Reserve opened on 14 Jan. It is free to the public and offers a space to observe local wildlife along the edge of the Reservoir

The Traveller DMC has been awarded the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification by Control Union Certifications. The company launched a few initiatives such as sustainable walking tours, prioritising hybrid vehicles, and implementing a CO2 tracking system

Marina Bay Sands (MBS) joined Kpop group Seventeen for an exclusive collaboration ahead of their concert from 25-26 Jan at National Stadium Singapore. Fans can see the 3 towers of the integrated resort, the Sands SkyPark, the ArtScience Museum and The Shoppes lit up in the group's official pantone pink and blue shades during the concert from 7.00pm-12.00am. This is the first time MBS has collaborated with a K-pop group for a light display. 4 restaurants will feature special Seventeen-themed foods from 20-26 Jan

Tour East Singapore received certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) making it the first tour operator to do so

Marina Bay Sands (MBS) said they will pay $1 billion USD upfront payment to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for the revisions they made to its upcoming project’s design. This was an addition to the initial upfront payment of $963 USD million made in 2019. The construction is expected to start in 8 Jul 2025 and finish by 8 Jul 2029. The new cost will be 2.5X of the original $3.3 billion USD investment announced in 2019, including $4.7 million USD in design and construction costs, $2 billion USD in land premiums, and $1.3 billion USD in pre-opening and finance costs

The National Water Agency (PUB) said from 10-11 Jan, Changi recorded the highest total amount of rainfall at 255.2mm, more than the monthly average of 222.4mm in Jan. PUB said the rainy weather is expected to continue until 13 Jan. More than 50 Singapore Airlines flights on 10-11 Jan were delayed or retimed due to the weather. 2 golfing events at Changi Golf Club on 11 Jan and at the Singapore Island Country Club were disrupted. 4 Singapore Rugby Union (SRU) National League matches were postponed as well. PUB warned of possible flash floods from 10-13 Jan and the National Environment Agency said the temperature could drop to 22 degrees Celsius in some places

Singapore is looking to promote mental health tourism by opening 16 therapeutic gardens to help visitors with autism, dementia, anxiety, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Singapore’s National Parks Board (NPB) said it plans to have 30 free gardens by 2030, designed with scientists’ input to gently stimulate human senses

The First Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN) Southeast Asia Heat Health Forum was held at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine from 7-10 Jan to discuss climate change and rapid urbanisation

Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority warned that they are ramping up security measures at checkpoints from now to 22 Jan “in view of heightened security situation in the region”

The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said Singapore experienced one of the hottest years in 2024 with annual mean temperature hitting 28.4 degrees Celsius, tying with 2016 and 2019 as the warmest years on record. 2024 also recorded 2,739.8mm annual total rainfall, +8.1% than the long-term average (between 1991-2020) of 2,534.3mm, and the 12th highest since 1980. 2024 was the first full year with the global temperature exceeding 1.5 degrees Celcius

Singapore passport ranked first in the world’s most powerful passport list, with visa-free access to 195 countries, based on a report published by CNN Travel from Henley Passport

The Singapore Hotel Association’s 168 member hotels continue to work closely with government agencies to introduce initiatives to support Singapore’s hospitality industry. In 2023, the average daily rate reached $324.34 SGD and revenue per available room reached $245.19 SGD. From Jan-Nov 2024, Singapore hotel ADR was $321.76 SGD and RevPAR was at $251.8 SGD

Education Minister said 25,000 Singaporeans aged 40 and above have used their $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit top-up as of Nov 2024. The most popular courses are information and communication technologies, covering digital marketing and data visualisation. The minister said there are over 7,000 courses eligible under the credit top-up scheme

Inbound tourism in Singapore recorded +12% YoY in 2024. Tour operators and hostels are increasing their efforts to gain advantage of the recovering tourism sector. Let's Go Tour is looking to offer tours to Kampung Buangkok. The operator is also experimenting with theatrical tours featuring actors as guides. Monster Day Tours is planning to hold AR tours. Betel Box Hostel in Joo Chiat and Jyu Capsule Hotel in Chinatown are offering in-house parties and walking food tours. Jyu Capsule recorded a +5% increase in revenue during Swift and Coldplay concerts, and during the F1 race. Chinatown Heritage Centre was reopened after being closed due to the pandemic. Singapore Tourism Board hopes to get more people to visit with this reopening

Toa Payoh Integrated Development (TPID) will feature a 10,000-seat stadium, community amenities, sporting facilities, a polyclinic, a bigger library, and an upgraded town park, among others. TPID is expected to be completed by 2030

Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) advance estimates show Singapore’s economy grew 4.3% YoY in Q4 2024. The economy grew by 5.4% in Q3 2024. The GDP growth for the full year reached 4% in 2024, up from 1.1% in 2023. Accommodation and food services, real estate, administrative and support services recorded 2.6% growth in Q4 2024 vs 1.4% in Q3. MTI said the accommodation and arts, entertainment & recreation sectors recorded 0.4% QoQ seasonally adjusted basis in line with the recovery in international tourist arrivals

The River Hongbao celebration will be held from 27 Jan to 5 Feb at Gardens by the Bay, and will celebrate SG60, Singapore's 60th anniversary

Singapore's Prime Minister said the country’s economy grew by 4% in 2024, exceeding expectations. He said most workers in Singapore received wage increases outpacing inflation. He said Singapore is not affected by unemployment and stagnant wages like other developed countries. He said median income in Singapore increased by 2.2% per annum above inflation in the past decade

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said the average room rate (ARR) grew to $273.11 SGD in Nov 2024, +0.5% MoM from $271.71 SGD, and +1.2% YoY. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased by 5.7% YoY to $224.45 SGD in Nov 2024 vs $222.28 SGD in Oct 2024. Overall room revenue increased by 7.4% YoY in Nov 2024 to $430.4 million SGD, but dropped MoM from $440.1 million SGD in Oct 2024. The average occupancy rate increased to 82.2% in Nov 2024 vs 81.8% in Oct 2024. Singapore’s hotel performance dropped as tourist arrivals declined to 1.2 million in Nov 2024, -6.1% MoM from 1.3 million in Oct 2024. The arrivals recorded +12.2% YoY

A report from a report by World Weather Attribution (WWA) and Climate Central shows Singapore recorded 122 extra days of dangerous heat in 2024, attributed to climate change. When the mean temperature of a specific day is hotter than the warmest 10% of temperature observed between the 1991-2000 period, the day will be considered a dangerous heat day

Singapore welcomed 15.13 million visitors from Jan-Nov 2024, +22.3% YoY. In Nov 2024, Singapore recorded 1.23 million visitors, +12.2% YoY. Singapore Tourism Board (STB) previously estimated 15-16.5 million tourist arrivals for 2024, generating a revenue between $27.5-29 billion SGD. In Nov, STB recorded 909,510 overnight visitors, representing 73.9% of total visitors with an average length of stay in Nov of 3.54 days, +3.5% YoY. The top 3 arrivals in Nov are from; - Indonesia 194,440 tourists - China, 174,750 - Malaysia, 101,920 From Jan-Nov 2024, Singapore recorded; - 2.89 million Chinese tourists, 86.27% of pre-pandemic levels - 2.22 million Indonesian tourists, 80.14% of pre-pandemic levels

The Lord of The Rings - A Musical Tale will be held at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands in Aug 2025. The musical will feature original music by AR Rahman, Varttina, and Christopher Nightingale. Klook World members can purchase tickets in pre-sale starting from 6 Jan 2025 with a 20% discount, whilst the general sales will start on 10 Jan 2025. DBS and POSB cardholders can enjoy 20% off from 7-31 Jan and waitlist subscribers can get a 15% discount from 8-31 Jan

The National University of Singapore (NUS) said those planning for a tour between 13 Jan-21 Feb 2025 must register and book a group tour slot. A spokeswoman said NUS will ask those not accompanied by a student ambassador or docent to leave the campus. NUS said Singapore Tourism Board-licensed travel agents and tourist guides can book group tours under the guide of an NUS student ambassador or engage a registered student docent. During the peak period, NUS shuttle bus service and University Town foodcourts will be only available to NUS students, staff, and authorised persons. The campus will be closed for visitors on 5 Feb and 1, 6, 8, 13, 14, 15, 27 Aug in 2025 due to activities involving students

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said Singapore’s core inflation dropped to 1.9% YoY in Nov, the lowest in 3 years. The previous lowest core inflation was recorded at 1.6% in Nov 2021. In Oct, the core inflation recorded 2.1% due to a moderation in food and services inflation. Core inflation is projected to be around 2.5%-3% in 2024 before dropping to 1.5%-2.5% in 2025. The overall inflation increased to 1.6% in Nov 2024 vs 1.4% in Oct. Overall inflation is expected to reach 2.5% in 2024 and to reach 1.5%-2.5% in 2025. Accommodation inflation dropped to 2.4% in Nov vs 2.5% in Oct. MAS and MTI said the core inflation is expected to remain under 2% throughout the end of 2024

GrabAds’ 2024 travel report shows over 50% of Grab users plan to travel within the next 12 months. The report was based on a user survey from the top 3 countries with the most active users: Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The report found that 68% of Singapore users plan to travel, followed by the Philippines (56%), and Indonesia (56%). In Q1 2024, Grab recorded 57% growth in travellers using the app compared to H1 2023. The report also found; - 81% of users are planning for international trips in 2024, +72% YoY, and 58% of users planning domestic trips, down from 65% in 2023 - 52% of users chose Southeast Asia for the trip, followed by East Asia (44%), Europe (13%), Oceanic (10%), and other regions (16%) - 87% plan to travel in groups, with 46% planning to travel in groups of 3 or more, and 41% in pairs - 56% said their travel budget increased compared to the previous year, 36% said the budget is unchanged, and 8% said their budget decreased - 53% of respondents said they are worried about inflationary pressures and 37% said they can allocate more budget for travel - 57% of respondents book everything by themselves, 24% book some parts like flights, accommodation, and local tours by themselves, and 18% sign up for full tour packages - In 2024, 55% attended major entertainment events during their trip and 43% said events influenced their travel decisions - Popular events are F&B festivals, concerts, music festivals, and cultural festivals - 68% said they intend to purchase travel insurance. The top 3 users who are likely to purchase the insurance are from Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand - Philippines users are willing to pay premium for sustainable travel options but Singapore users are least likely to pay to do so

Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) regional director for India said from Jan-Oct 2024 Singapore welcomed 1 million Indian tourists, +12% YoY, and expected to reach 1.17-1.2 million by year-end. He said a growing number or Indian tourists are shopping for luxury goods when travelling overseas. MakeMyTrip, an Indian OTA company, said Singapore ranks as 3rd most searched destination on their platform between 16-31 Dec year-end travel period, +11% YoY, behind UAE and Thailand. India is also the 3rd largest tourism source market for Singapore as of 31 Oct, after China and Indonesia. In H1 2024, Indian tourists spent $776.5 million USD in Singapore, with 28% spent on shopping, 19% on accommodation, and 15% on food and beverages. In 2023, Indian tourists spent $1.53 billion USD