Singapore

South Korea has extended the K-ETA exemption for 22 countries, including Singapore, until 31 Dec 2025

Singaporean tech and social enterprise Hidden Singapore and Ngati Kahungunu ki Tamaki-nui-a-Rua, representing the largest Maori tribes in New Zealand, have collaborated to develop a game called “Hidden Aotearoa”. This self-guided adventure game will help the travellers explore Indigenous Maori history led by a digital character

Hana Tour will reestablish its presence in Singapore by Mar 2025 as part of its “Global Bound” strategy. The company liquidated its Singapore corporation in 2022 because of financial strains due to the pandemic. The company aims to regain its market share and improve its international operations

Agoda’s 2025 Travel Trend Survey shows; 34% of tourists plan to travel with family in 2025, followed by 23% as couples, and 19% as solo travellers. 58% of Indonesian travellers would like to go on a trip with family 75% of respondents said relaxation is their main motivation for travel, followed by 39% to visit family and friends, and 34% for cultural exploration. 87% of Singaporeans said relaxation is the main reason for travel 80% of travellers plan to use travel apps and 12% are interested in VR tours. 9 out 10 Indian tourists use travel apps when booking a trip 65% of tourists plan to spend $250 SGD per night on accommodation 87% of tourists are planning for the same number of trips or more compared to 2024 with 52% planning to travel internationally 28% of respondents expected to travel for business trips 1 in 25 respondents are expected to work remotely in 2025. 1 in 14 Philippines respondents are expected to work while travelling 84% of travellers are expected to travel to new destinations in 2025 71% said they get travel inspiration from personal interests and hobbies, 56% through discounted deals, 33% get recommendations from friends and family, and 20% get their inspiration from social media. 29% of Malaysians and Indonesians get inspiration from Instagram 13% are expected to travel to theme parks in 2025. 20% of Indonesians are expected to visit amusement parks

Singaporeans travelling in South Korea said they were minimally affected by the martial law order which was imposed and lifted on 4 Dec. Travel agencies said they are moving ahead with their tour packages to Korea, but they are keeping an eye on this situation

A study by Milieu Insight shows 79% of Singaporeans travelled internationally in 2024. The study – involving 2,000 people from Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand – shows that 66% of the respondents travelled 1-4 international trips since the start of 2024. McKinsey & Company said Southeast Asian travel spending is projected to increase by 7% per year, with Asia projected to have 3.5 billion people in its middle class by 2030. - The most preferred region to travel are Southeast Asia with 49% followed by China and South Korea with 45% - nearly 1 in 3 Southeast Asians have secured tickets and accommodation for leisure trips in the next 3 months - The top 3 activities are sightseeing and outdoor activities (64%), shopping (44%), and art, history, and cultural immersion (32%) - 71% of respondents use digital platforms like Klook and Skyscanner to book their travel. 60% said they get access to discounts and promotions through these platforms and 53% said it’s - convenient. 34% of respondents said they prefer traditional booking methods, 28% worried about scams on digital platforms, and 26% said they have limited familiarity with the platforms - For travel companions, 42%of Southeast Asians said they will travel with their romantic partners or spouse, followed by friends (30%), parents (27%), children (22%), and siblings (20%)

Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report found that Singaporean tourists prefer China for their holidays. Search data for 21 Dec-3 Jan shows interest to visit Beijing increased by 48% YoY, Shanghai by 81% YoY, and Guangzhou by 87%. The report found that 23% of Generation Alpha and Generation Z show strong interest in visiting China. Chan Brother Travel spokesperson said booking to China from Nov-Dec 2024 period recorded 3X YoY for group tours, free-and-east packages, private tours, and corporate trips. He said popular destinations are Chongqing, Chengdu, Beijing, and Shanghai. He said there is an increase in interest from younger tourists to destinations with rich heritage like Xi’an and unpopular destinations like Xinjiang, Tibet, and Yunnan. Chan Brothers created the “Fab Fam Fun” series to offer snow play and skiing activities for family groups for the year-end. Singaporean tourist arrival benefits The Lux Collective which has 9 luxury properties in China. CEO of the company said Singaporean tour groups recorded 5X arrival from Jun 2023-Jun 2024 with the Yunnan-Guizhou-Sichuan route being the popular destination