SINGAPORE - Singapore recorded 16.5 million visitor arrivals in 2024, a 21 percent increase from 2023, reaching approximately 86.4 percent of the 2019 level, according to data released by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on Tuesday.

Tourists were also spending more, with tourism receipts projected to range between 27.5 billion Singapore dollars (about $20 billion) and 29 billion Singapore dollars, potentially setting a new record. The final figures for 2024's tourism receipts will be released in the second quarter of 2025.

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For 2025, the STB expects international tourist arrivals to reach between 17 million and 18.5 million, generating an estimated 29 billion Singapore dollars to 30.5 billion Singapore dollars in tourism revenue.

Visitors from the Chinese mainland accounted for the largest share in 2024, with 3.08 million arrivals, followed by Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Australia.

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The STB attributed the increase in tourist arrivals and spending to factors such as the mutual visa exemption between China and Singapore, a series of major concerts and events, newly opened attractions, and an expanding airline network. (1 Singapore dollar equals $0.73)