The visitor increase translated into only a modest increase in tourism spending, with receipts up 1% year-on-year to US$19.9 billion, according to preliminary estimates.
There was an increase in the sightseeing, entertainment, and gaming spending, up 6% year-on-year, however, there was a drop in spending on shopping (-14%), accommodation (-5%) and F&B (-4%) in the year.
India, Indonesia and, China registered the highest growth when it came to spending.
“We are pleased that Singapore’s tourism sector performed well in 2018 despite some economic uncertainties,” said STB chief executive Keith Tan.
“We were fortunate to have benefited from a confluence of positive factors such as strong Asia-Pacific travel demand, increased flight connectivity to Singapore, and various high-profile events,” Tan added.
The STB is targeting a further 1-4% increase in visitor arrivals in 2019, with also a moderate 1-3% increase in tourism spending.
Source: GMB / AG Brief
