Singapore to be the Next Hotspot for Indian Travellers in 2025

Travellers from India have historically been biased towards Singapore, and in 2025, this allure is expected to grow even more. The city-state has continued strengthening its ties with India as new initiatives to enhance travellers' experiences are being implemented.

Easing the visa requirements and introducing direct flights from more Indian cities are some of the initiatives that are proving to be very helpful in attracting tourists to Singapore. The combination of convenience, cultural familiarity, and new experiences available in Singapore makes it an easy choice for Indian tourists. Here’s what you need to know about this emerging pattern of travel.

The Rise of Indian Travellers

India has firmly positioned itself as the fifth largest source market for inbound tourism into Singapore behind Indonesia, China, Malaysia, and Australia. The year 2023 was a good recovery year as the volume of Indian tourists coming to Singapore was approximately 76 per cent of the pre-pandemic volume.

Considering the rising numbers of Indian passport holders and the increasing size of the middle class, international travel will only get more popular in the coming years. Due to nearly 1.4 million visitors from India in pre-pandemic times, this trend is poised to escalate into 2025, driven by a blend of leisure travel, cultural exploration, and business opportunities. Singapore’s reputation for safety, cleanliness, and efficient transportation systems makes it an appealing choice for Indian families and solo travellers alike.

Easy Visa Process

For Indian tourists, Singapore has simplified the visa application procedure easier than before. Obtaining a Singapore visa for Indians is straightforward because of streamlined application procedures and faster processing times. To begin, all you need is a current passport and a photo the size of a passport. No wonder that in the first quarter of 2024 alone, over 245,000 Indians visited Singapore!

Tailored Experiences for Indian Travellers

According to a 2023 analysis, younger Indian consumers are particularly drawn to adventure, nightlife, and unique experiences. From indulging in sweet treats at the Museum of Ice Cream to adventurous rides at SkyHelix Sentosa, Singapore caters to a wide spectrum of interests.

Another adventure hub recently opened on Orchard Road, Trifecta is likely to generate interest from adventure enthusiasts who want to experience surfing, snowboarding, and skiing, all in one place. For many, the adventure begins at Changi Airport, including an indoor forest valley with over 10,000 trees. This beautiful site is an ideal backdrop for Instagram, appealing to young travellers' passion for visual storytelling.

Event-Centric Travel

Notable events such as the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix have attracted a diverse audience, showing how world-class events can shape travel experiences. The sold-out Coldplay concert in 2024 and the anticipated arrival of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Singapore will likely draw significant numbers of Indian music enthusiasts. The excitement around these high-profile events was reflected in the 8.7-fold increase in searches for hotel reservations made by Indian tourists in Singapore.

Shopping

In the first half of 2023, Indian tourists allocated over 25% of their trip expenditure to shopping in Singapore. Given that India is expected to be the fourth largest country in terms of outbound travel expenditure by the year 2030, retailers in Singapore are looking forward to the opportunity. With its flagship stores and local designers, Singapore offers a varied and sophisticated shopping experience that makes it possible for Singapore to become a major hub for Indian tourists visiting Singapore.

Weddings and Celebrations

Around 5,000 international destination weddings occur in India each year, contributing to a total spend of nearly ₹1.6 lakh crore. This massive wedding market continues to grow, with families going all out for lavish celebrations at stunning global locations. Singapore’s stunning seafront resorts and legendary venues make it an ideal choice for destination weddings. From enchanting rooftop mehndi parties to extravagant sangeet celebrations, Singapore provides a transformative wedding experience that captivates families.

Sustainable Destination

The city-state's commitment to sustainability is set to strengthen in 2024 as it prepares to host the Global Sustainable Tourism Council(GSTC's) premier global conferenceSG , further solidifying its reputation as an eco-conscious choice for travellers. In addition to its charm, Singapore has positioned itself as a sustainable destination.

Enhanced Connectivity with SG Arrival Card

Airlines like Singapore Airlines and IndiGo are expanding their offerings with more direct routes to key locations such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Upon arrival, Indian travellers will benefit from the SG Arrival Card, which streamlines the entry process and allows them to focus on their adventures in Singapore. This combination of improved access and efficient arrival procedures underscores Singapore’s commitment to welcoming even more Indian tourists in 2025.

Looking Ahead

The Singapore Tourist Board is confident about tourist growth in 2024, intending to welcome about 15 to 16 million international travellers—roughly 78% to 84% of pre-COVID levels—as the global travel recovery continues. With a wide range of experiences designed especially for Indian tourists, Singapore is well-positioned to draw even more travellers in the years to come.

Indian tourists can anticipate seeing Singapore's dynamic culture, cutting-edge sights, and premier events that guarantee lifelong recollections as we approach 2025. Singapore has something to offer everyone, regardless of their interests—adventure seekers, shoppers, or enthusiasts for unique events. Furthermore, the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is expanding rapidly, especially for Indian businesses.