Singapore tourist spends less

Singapore tourist spending has dipped by half a percent, despite a 7.3 per cent boost in arrivals.

According to the Singapore Tourism Board, about 4.6 million visitors arrived in the city state in the first quarter of this year – but they spent less on shopping and accommodation. Their total collective spend was about S$6.7 billion.

According to the government data, tourist spending on shopping declined 9 per cent, with accommodation spending down 13 per cent and food and beverage down by 16 per cent.

Instead of spending in shops, hotels and eateries, tourists splurged on sightseeing, gambling and entertainment, collectively up by 6 per cent.

China, Indonesia and India were Singapore’s largest source of visitors and spending during the quarter.