Singapore records over 15 million foreign tourists

By Hoang Vu December 23, 2024 | 10:30 pm PT

Tourists pose for photos with background of Esplanade Theaters at Merlion Park in Singapore, October 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Quy Nguyen

Singapore has welcomed 15.13 million international tourists as of November, marking a 22% year-on-year increase, with China emerging as the city-state's largest source of visitors this year following its visa waiver policy.

2.88 million Chinese tourists visited the city-state in 2024, a 34% increase compared to the previous year, according to Singapore's Tourism Statistics.

The surge followed Singapore's introduction of a visa waiver for Chinese visitors in February, prompting a significant rise in arrivals.

Indonesia, which was the top source of visitors last year, dropped to second place with 2.2 million arrivals, followed by India (1.09 million), Malaysia (1.08 million), and Australia (1.05 million).

In comparison, Thailand received 33 million international tourists as of November, while Malaysia surpassed 20 million visitors by October.

Vietnam also saw nearly 16 million arrivals by November.