According to data from the Singapore Tourism Board, the nation-state saw a jump in international visitor arrivals, with a record 5 million travellers to the island between July and September 2019.
July saw 1.8 million visitors, with 1.74 million in August and 1.46 million in September, according to the latest figures. The previous quarterly record was 4.83 million, set in the same period a year earlier.
Greater China was the source for the most number of tourists (248,000) in this quarter, with Indian tourists fourth on the list (105,000).
The reopening of the city’s iconic Raffles Hotel might also have had something to do with the spike in visitors. The 132-year-old heritage hotel opened after an extensive renovation this year.
The pro-democracy protests and civil unrest in Singapore’s rival Hong Kong that started in June led to tourists and businesses alike relocating events and meetings to Singapore, stated hospitality experts. The Global Wellness Summit, which changed their venue to the Lion City, is one such example.
Singapore’s year-long Bicentennial celebrations provided a boost in attracting visitors as well, experts added.