Since the mutual visa-free policybetween China and Singapore was introduced on February 9, 2024, travel between the two countries has surged, leading to a significant boost in tourism and cultural exchanges.
In the first half of 2024, China became the largest source of foreign tourists for Singapore, while the number of Singaporean visitors to China also increased notably. Pedro Li, a travel blogger from Kunming, praised Singapore for its safety, cleanliness, and vibrant atmosphere, highlighting its cultural diversity with areas like Chinatown and Little India.
Visa-free policy
Statistics from Trip.com Group show a doubling of flight bookings from Chinese tourists to Singapore from January to June compared to the previous year. Singapore welcomed 1.86 million visitors from China from January to July, a 183.6 percent increase year-on-year, nearing pre-pandemic levels.
Andrew Phua from the Singapore Tourism Board attributed this growth to the 30-day mutual visa-free policy, which allows for spontaneous travel. He noted that July saw visitor numbers exceed those from 2019. Despite a dip in overall rankings last year, Chinese tourists continued to generate the highest tourism revenue for Singapore.
Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board is working to keep the destination attractive by promoting new offerings and enhancing convenience through collaborations with Chinese payment systems. Edison Chen from Trip.com Group noted Singapore’s continued popularity and emphasized the focus on offering unique experiences.
Similarly, the number of Singaporean visitors to China has also increased significantly, with Trip.com Group reporting a 246.2 percent rise in bookings from February 9 to August 14. Popular Chinese destinations for Singaporeans include Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing, reflecting a broad interest in exploring China’s cities and culture.