Singapore set to relax Visa rules for Indian tourists, aiming to surpass pre-pandemic visitor numbers

Singapore is gearing up to welcome over 1.5 million Indian tourists this year, with a focus on enhancing its hospitality infrastructure and simplifying visa processes. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is optimistic about surpassing pre-pandemic visitor figures, with no specific targets set due to the significant tourism potential of the Indian market. In 2019, Singapore welcomed 1.4 million tourists from India, which rebounded to 1.1 million in 2023 and is expected to exceed the 2019 numbers in 2024.

To facilitate smoother travel for Indian tourists, the STB is working on implementing seamless and easy visa procedures. With offices in Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, efforts are underway to streamline the visa application process. Additionally, Singapore is expanding its hospitality infrastructure by adding 9,000 new hotel rooms to the existing 72,000 rooms. The island nation anticipates a boost in tourist arrivals once new carriers operating in India commence international flights.

Highlighting the importance of Indian visitors not only for tourism but also for business travel, Singapore is keen on strengthening bilateral ties and trade relations. Sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, IT, and FinTech present significant opportunities for collaboration between Singapore and India. Singapore hosts large-scale exhibitions and conferences focusing on advanced technologies to facilitate partnerships and collaborations in these sectors.

In line with its efforts to attract business travelers, Singapore is set to host the inaugural APAC edition of the National Retail Federation (NRF) Retail Big Show in June. The event aims to bring together industry leaders and stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region to explore opportunities in retail and digital commerce. With a lineup of esteemed speakers and delegates, including representatives from prominent Indian organizations, the event underscores Singapore’s position as a leading destination for business events and conferences.