Mega-event pipeline to drive record $32.5b tourism spend in 2026

Approximately 18 million visitors are expected as BTS, Disney, and F1 anchor the yearly calendar.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) projects up to 18 million visitor arrivals in 2026, generating $31 to $32.5b in tourism receipts (TR).

“The 2026 projections take a measured approach given global economic uncertainty and political instability affecting travel patterns globally,” the board said.

The country’s tourism pipeline for the year includes AndSoForth’s immersive destination, Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA, BTS performing four nights, Disney Cruise Line’s first Asia homeport, and the new sprint race at the 2026 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

Other attractions include the STB-Disney partnership events, phase two of Rainforest Wild at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, and LiveNation’s Grange Road Events Space.

Meanwhile, the ‘Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions’ industry will host the AAAI 2026 Annual Conference and the Herbalife Extravaganza 2026, which is expected to draw 25,000 visitors.

In line with this, the board has recently signed a three-year agreement with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade to encourage international economic and trade exhibitions in Singapore.

By 2040, STB projects TR to reach between $47b and $50b.

However, a report by market research firm YouGov revealed that the country’s international travellers said rising travel costs affected their travel plans last year.

Transport costs remain a key concern, with nearly three in four (74%) of recent travellers saying flights and ground transport feel more expensive than a year ago, the report added.

Almost half (49%) travelled during off-peak seasons or booked flights well in advance to save more, whilst 30% opt for shorter trips.

For this year’s Lunar New Year, Singaporeans completed travel bookings more than 60 days before departure, according to Trip.com. Bookings for short trips also rose 45% in the first quarter of the year.

Nevertheless, the STB reported that tourism receipts for the first three quarters of 2025 reached $23.9b, up 6.5% from the same period in 2024.

Sightseeing, entertainment & gaming, and food & beverage sectors each grew 15% in tourism receipts during the period

Based on January to September 2025, full-year receipts are on track to exceed STB’s $29b to 30.5b projection.

International visitor arrivals reached 16.9 million, a 2.3% increase from 2024, led by Mainland China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and India.

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