China surpasses Indonesia as Singapore's largest source of tourists

By Hoang Phong July 11, 2024 | 10:48 pm PT

Tourists pose for photos with the Marina Bay Sands at a popular tourist spot along Marina Bay in Singapore July 24, 2015. Photo by Reuters

Singapore received 1.45 million visitors from China in the first half of this year, making it the biggest source of visitors for the island nation.

Indonesia, previously its largest source of tourists, was pushed to second place, followed by India, Malaysia and Australia, according to statistics released by the Singapore Tourism Board.

There were 8.24 million foreign arrivals in January-June, up 31% year-on-year and 88% of pre-Covid numbers.

In February Singapore announced a visa waiver for Chinese visitors, who have since been flocking to the city.

Thailand has received 17.5 million foreign tourists this year and Vietnam, 8.8 million. Chinese tourists were also the biggest group of arrivals to Thailand, and second to Vietnam after South Koreans.