Singapore visa reform could generate 500k new visitors

And pour in S$1.08b in receipts.

Additional improvements to Singapore’s visa processes could reap substantial economic benefits for Singapore, according to a new report published by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

‘The Impact of Visa Facilitation in ASEAN Member States 2016’ report shows that Singapore could generate around 358,000 to 504,000 new visitors through further facilitation of its visa procedures. The additional receipts generated by these tourists could reach between S$768 million to S$1.08billion. The new study also estimates that 5,100 to 7,200 jobs could be created as a consequence of this increase in visitors.

The report shows that Singapore’s visa policy is already relatively open: for 2014-2016, only 4.6% of international tourist arrivals to Singapore are expected to be from countries, which are required to obtain a visa beforetravelling (assuming current visa policies). Also, the World Economic Form Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index 2013 shows that Singapore leads the world, ranked in first place out of 140 countries in terms of policy, rules and regulations in its regulatory framework.

However, David Scowsill, President & CEO of WTTC, says the report underlines the benefits to gain from further improvements: “Better visa processes can reap economic benefits through increased tourism demand, tourist spending and job creation and also open the door for better cross-cultural understanding. We commend the recent visa waiver agreement signed between Brazil and Singapore, which will open up more tourism between the two countries. We encourage the Singapore Government to retain the same momentum with other key nationalities that require a visa for Singapore include India, China and Russia. Improving visa policies with these countries could bring substantial economic rewards”.