Tourism arrivals and receipts to remain weak in 2021: STB

STB’s SingapoRediscovers Vouchers scheme has netted $35.9m since 1 January.

Despite hope for vaccines coming into play this year, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) still expects tourism arrivals and receipts to remain weak in 2021.

“Even with the development of several vaccines, it will take time for mass leisure travel and traveller confidence to return,” STB said

Because of several restrictions put in place by the government to combat the spread of COVID-19, Singapore saw a decline in both visitor arrivals and tourism receipts in 2020. Arrivals fell by 85.7% in 2020 whilst tourism receipts declined by 78.4% in the first three quarters of 2020.

The full-year figures for tourism receipts have not been released.

Despite low numbers, STB chief executive Keith Tan said the tourism board is confident that Singapore is still one of the world’s safest and most attractive leisure and business destinations.

“While mass international travel is unlikely to resume in a major way in 2021, STB will continue standing together with our industry partners to prepare for recovery and to start building a better and more sustainable future for tourism,” Tan said.

Last December, STB helped stimulate local tourism by launching a $320m SingapoRediscovers Vouchers (SRV) scheme to complement the Enterprise Singapore and Sentosa Development Corporation SingapoRediscovers campaign to rally locals to support tourism businesses and to promote hidden gems and experiences in Singapore.

As of 1 January 2021, over 300,000 Singaporeans have used the SRV scheme to make bookings with Singapore hotels, attractions and tours, spending $35.9m in SRV redemptions and out-of-pocket payments.