How Indian Tourists Are Shaping Singapore’s Luxury Retail Market: A Deep Dive into Their Spending Habits in 2025

Published on December 15, 2025

Singapore has long been known as a global hub for luxury shopping, and Indian tourists are playing a pivotal role in its continued rise. In 2025, Indian visitors have emerged as some of the biggest spenders in the luxury goods market in Singapore, driving significant revenue for the country’s high-end retail sector. According to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Indian tourists spent an impressive SGD 812.17 million (approximately Rs 5718 crore) in the first half of the year, marking a 4.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This surge in spending is especially notable considering the global challenges in premium consumption.
The surge in spending by Indian tourists has not only helped Singapore maintain its position as a luxury shopping hub but also provided much-needed relief to retailers along the famous Orchard Road, the city’s flagship shopping district. As one of the strongest drivers of luxury retail growth, Indian tourists are spending not just on luxury goods, but also on experiences, dining, and entertainment, contributing to the broader tourism ecosystem in Singapore.
In this article, we explore how Indian tourists are influencing Singapore’s luxury retail scene, how their spending habits reflect the broader trends in India’s expanding affluent class, and what it means for the future of both tourism and luxury retail in this dynamic city-state.

The Rise of Indian Tourists in Singapore’s Luxury Market

Indian tourists have long been a significant part of Singapore’s tourism market, but their impact on the luxury goods sector has been growing steadily. With SGD 812.17 million in luxury goods purchases in the first half of 2025, India now ranks as one of the largest markets for Singapore’s high-end retail industry.
The key driver of this spending surge is not only the increasing number of Indian tourists visiting Singapore, but also their growing affluence and desire for luxury experiences. As India’s middle class continues to grow in both size and wealth, more and more Indians are seeking premium experiences, from high-end fashion and jewellery to luxury accommodation and dining.

Why Indian Tourists Are Crucial for Singapore’s Luxury Retail Ecosystem

1. Longer Stays and Higher Spending:
   Indian tourists tend to stay longer in Singapore, with the average length of stay at 6.3 days—significantly higher than the global average. This extended stay encourages greater discretionary spending, which spans multiple sectors, from shopping to dining and entertainment. It’s not just the products themselves; Indian visitors are spending across retail, attractions, and local experiences, driving growth for both luxury retailers and local businesses.
2. Affluent Indian Consumers:
   The Mastercard Economics Institute’s 2024 Travel Trends report highlights that the rise in India’s affluent class has a direct correlation with the growing demand for luxury goods. The luxury goods market in India has been growing exponentially, and this has translated into increased international spending by Indian tourists in destinations like Singapore. As Indian consumers increasingly seek luxury fashion, high-end accessories, and exclusive experiences, their spending in cities like Singapore helps reinforce the market’s vitality.
3. The Luxury Shopping Experience in Orchard Road:
   Orchard Road, Singapore’s most famous shopping street, stands as a prime beneficiary of this surge in spending. Orchard Road, home to iconic luxury brands like Prada, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Louis Vuitton, has seen Indian tourists flock to its many flagship stores. With the arrival of these visitors, retailers along the road have adapted their offerings, often incorporating cultural elements and festive displays to attract their Indian clientele.

Indian Affluence Reflects Broader Consumer Trends

The luxury spending habits of Indian tourists in Singapore reflect a broader shift in India’s consumer behavior. As disposable incomes rise in India, more people are traveling abroad, and many are seeking high-end goods as part of their travel experiences. The demand for luxury products like fashion, jewellery, and fine dining is growing rapidly.
Key trends that have emerged include:

• Desire for High-End Fashion and Jewellery: The appeal of luxury fashion brands like Prada and Gucci, and jewellery houses like Van Cleef & Arpels, is on the rise. Indian tourists are increasingly seen shopping for premium items in Singapore, especially when they visit during the holiday season.
• Preference for ‘Quiet Luxury’: There is also a growing preference for discreet luxury among affluent Indian consumers. This trend aligns with the increasing demand for subtle, sophisticated luxury items that are not ostentatious but reflect taste and exclusivity.

Impact on Singapore’s Overall Tourism Industry

The surge in luxury spending by Indian tourists is not just beneficial for retailers but also for the broader tourism industry. Singapore is known for its ability to attract global visitors, and the Indian market is now a critical part of its tourism strategy.

Key Data Points:

• Indian Visitor Arrivals: In the first 10 months of 2025, 1.03 million Indian visitors arrived in Singapore, marking a 2.6% increase from the previous year.
• Total Visitors: Singapore recorded a total of 14.25 million visitors in 2025, a 2.5% increase from the same period in 2024.
  With increased numbers of affluent Indian visitors flocking to Singapore for shopping, dining, and sightseeing, the city-state’s position as a luxury shopping hub is only set to strengthen. These visitors are not just spending money on goods but are also patronizing local restaurants, attending cultural events, and experiencing the luxury services that Singapore has to offer. This is contributing to the city’s economic growth and its growing reputation as a global luxury tourism destination.

Singapore’s Position as a Luxury Retail Hub

As global trends shift, Singapore remains a standout in the luxury retail space. While cities like Shanghai and Tokyo have been major players, Singapore’s luxury retail market is outperforming even some of these established hubs. Euromonitor International predicts a 7-9% rise in luxury sales in Singapore in 2025, with the city-state continuing to be one of the few major tourism hubs to experience growth in this sector.
The strategic positioning of Singapore as a “luxury hub” has been made possible by the increased affluence of Indian consumers, who are contributing to the resilience of the luxury retail market. The growth of Singapore’s economy, along with its appeal to high-net-worth individuals, makes it a leading destination for those seeking premium experiences.

The Future of Luxury Tourism in Singapore

Looking ahead, the future of luxury tourism in Singapore appears to be bright, with continued growth in the Indian market. Retailers, hoteliers, and tourism authorities are expected to further capitalize on this rising demand by tailoring their offerings to meet the specific needs of Indian tourists.
In particular, Orchard Road and its surrounding areas will remain the focal point for luxury shopping, with global brands expected to continue expanding their presence in Singapore. Festivals like the Orchard Road Christmas Light-Up will also continue to attract visitors from India, with their festive displays and special events adding to the allure of the shopping district.

As India’s wealthy consumers continue to grow in number and spending power, their impact on Singapore’s luxury retail sector will likely increase, making them an indispensable part of the city’s tourism future.

Conclusion:

The continued rise of Indian tourists as major contributors to Singapore’s luxury retail market is a clear indication of the changing dynamics in global travel and spending. With SGD 812.17 million in luxury goods purchases and a growing trend towards high-end fashion and experiences, India has solidified its place as one of the most commercially significant markets for Singapore’s luxury sector. This surge in luxury spending reflects the rising affluence and changing preferences of India’s middle and upper classes, with a growing appetite for exclusive and high-quality experiences. Singapore, with its iconic Orchard Road shopping district, is at the forefront of this trend, positioning itself as a key destination for Indian luxury shoppers in 2025 and beyond.
As Singapore continues to evolve as a luxury tourism hub, Indian tourists will remain essential to driving both its tourism economy and luxury retail market, marking the city-state as an unmissable destination for the discerning traveller.