Singapore boasted its highest-ever tourism receipts in the January-September period, rising by 6.5 percent yearly to SG$23.9 billion ($18.82 billion).
According to the Singapore Tourism Board, the results place the nation on track to exceed the STB’s full-year projections of SG$29 billion ($22.83 billion) to SG$30.5 billion ($24.01 billion) in 2025. The results are scheduled to be released in the second quarter of this year.
Contributing to the increase were new and revamped attractions, including the Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa, which reopened on July 23rd, 2025 following a three-month renovation which expanded its facilities.
The Oceanarium was lauded by RWS CEO Lee Shi Ruh recently as one of the integrated resorts’ new offerings aimed at repositioning itself as an experience-based destination attracting new and repeat visitors that stay longer.
The comments by the executive were mirrored in those by the STB’s Chief Executive Melissa Ow, who noted that Singapore is “attracting visitors who value the distinctive experiences that Singapore offers.”
The official furthered “To maintain this growth momentum and reinforce our destination appeal and global hub status, we will continue to develop a strong pipeline of differentiated products, events, and experiences.”
While the tourism receipts cover only the Jan-Sept period, total visitor arrivals during the year reached 16.9 million, an increase of 2.3 percent yearly. China (3.1 million), Indonesia (2.4 million), Malaysia (1.3 million), Australia (1.3 million) and India (1.2 million) were the top five key tourist source markets during the year.
Entertainment boom
The events calendar was a strong contributor to tourism demand, including the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix – which drew over 300,600 attendees over the three-day event, up 11.7 percent yearly. The NBA Rising Stars Invitational and World Aquatics Championships 2025 helped top out the sports event calendar.
Regarding concerts, Lada Gaga’s exclusive Singapore shows at the National Stadium in May brought in some $40.8 million in gross revenue, with approximately 193,000 tickets sold. BLACKPINK’s [DEADLINE] World Tour stop in the Merlion city also saw around 165,000 attendees over the three sold-out performances. SEVENTEEN’s “Right Here” enjoyed two sold-out nights, with over 60,000 attendees. All three events were held at Singapore’s National Stadium.
Hotel openings
Singapore boasts over 73,000 hotel rooms, spread over 450 properties, with the industry contributing about 20 percent of total tourism receipts. During the year the city saw increased tourism appeal due to new openings, including Raffles Sentosa Singapore, Banyan Tree’s Mandai Rainforest Resort, Mett Singapore and the October opening of The Laurus at Resorts World Sentosa.
Despite the new offerings, the city saw the average occupancy rate of hotel rooms fall slightly to about 81 percent, even as revenue per available room increased by about 2 percent.
MICE in focus
One of the key contributors to visitor spending was the Meetings, Incentives, Convetions and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, which authorities are doubling down on. The STB notes that Singapore is ranked 3rd worldwide and 1st in Asia-Pacific by the International Congress and Convention Association. The tourism board highlighted 14 main MICE events held over the year ranging in industry from real estate to hospitality and F&B, tech, insurance, security, pharmaceuticals, robotics and health.
Integrated resorts’ expansion projects
The STB also highlighted the ‘significant expansions’ of Singapore’s two integrated resorts. In particular focus was the groundbreaking on Marina Bay Sands’ $8 billion expansion – adding a new hotel tower with 570 suites, a 15,000-seat arena, F&B, meeting and retail space.
The tourism board also celebrated the launch of Resorts World Sentosa’s Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore, alongside the openings of the Oceanarium and its Weave retail outlet.
Aside from the new IR’s offerings, the Porsche Experience Center Singapore also broke ground during the year and is scheduled to open in 2027, while a new wellness attraction located at Marina South was tendered – scheduled to open in 2030 and attract 2 million visitors annually (with nearly half being international).
Port of call
Towards the end of October, the SG$40 million expansion and upgrade of the Marina Bay Cruise Center was also completed, increasing capacity to 11,700 from 6,800.
The city welcomed new homeported ships during the year, including StarDream Cruises’ Star Voyager, Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas, and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Luminara.
What’s in store this year
While 2025 was record-breaking, the Merlion city is not resting on its laurels, with new experiences to debut and provide ‘a strong foundation’ for Singapore’s Tourism 2040 vision.
These include the return of Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA, four nights of performances by BTS, Disney Cruise Line’s first Asia homeport and a new sprint race at the 2025 F1 Grand Prix.
Overall Singapore is hoping for between 17 and 18 million international visitors this year and for tourism receipts to range between SG$31 billion ($24.41 billion) and SG$32.5 billion ($25.59 billion).
The STB notes that the projections are ‘measured’ due to global economic uncertainty and political instability which could affect travel patterns globally.
“As we work towards our Tourism 2040 goals and a sustainable tourism sector, STB will continue to seek out opportunities to reach new markets and support our tourism enterprises and workforce to develop differentiated products and experiences,” stated the STB’s Chief Executive.
