How Singapore’s Tourist Spending Is Shifting: Dining, Entertainment, and Gaming Take the Lead Over Shopping in Iconic Locations Across the City, Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on November 24, 2025

In 2024, Singapore witnessed a shift in its tourism landscape, with fewer tourists compared to the pre-pandemic years, yet an overall increase in tourist spending. While international arrivals are lower, spending per visitor has surged significantly, especially in areas like dining, sightseeing, and entertainment. This change highlights a new era for tourism, where visitors prioritise unique, immersive experiences over traditional shopping sprees. With tourism receipts exceeding 2019 levels, Singapore has adapted successfully to a post-pandemic world, where experiences take precedence. This trend marks a clear pivot in how visitors engage with the city-state, influencing both local businesses and the tourism industry as a whole.

Tourism in Singapore: A Shift Towards Experience-Based Spending

Singapore’s tourism industry, a crucial pillar of its economy, has undergone significant transformations in the post-pandemic era. Though the number of tourists visiting the country remains lower than the pre-COVID boom, the shift in spending patterns is nothing short of remarkable. Tourists today are spending more on experiences than material goods, which has greatly contributed to the increase in tourism receipts. According to recent reports, the spending per visitor in 2024 rose by an impressive 24.4% compared to 2019, despite fewer arrivals. The increase in spending has been driven by robust growth in sightseeing, entertainment, gaming, and dining sectors. Singapore’s tourism receipts reached an all-time high of S$29.8 billion in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic figures.

Dining and Entertainment Surge in Popularity

One of the key changes in visitor behaviour is the significant rise in spending on food and beverage experiences. Since 2019, F&B-related tourism receipts have soared by 71%, indicating a strong appetite for Singapore’s culinary scene. Local food culture, from hawker centres to fine dining establishments, has become an integral part of the tourist experience. Alongside dining, visitors are increasingly drawn to sightseeing, entertainment, and gaming, all contributing to the city’s transformation into a cultural hub.

This surge in spending can be attributed to the availability of diverse events and experiences, including high-profile concerts and unique leisure events throughout the year. The events calendar has played a crucial role in attracting higher-spending visitors, particularly those from the wealthier segments of the tourism market. As a result, Singapore continues to thrive as a global destination for leisure and business travel.

A Decrease in Shopping Habits

While spending on dining and entertainment has boomed, shopping has taken a backseat in the post-pandemic tourism landscape. Unlike the shopping-centric tourism model that dominated pre-COVID, tourists are now spending less on retail activities in Singapore. In fact, tourism receipts from shopping in 2024 were down by 7.8% compared to 2019. Analysts suggest that this decline can be attributed to several factors, including the strong Singapore dollar, which makes retail goods more expensive for foreign visitors, and the rise of online shopping, which has diminished the appeal of physical retail stores.

Additionally, many tourists are now prioritising unique experiences over material purchases. This shift reflects broader global trends where experiences like live concerts, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions have gained more significance for travellers. As Singapore evolves, its tourism offerings have diversified, reducing the emphasis on shopping and increasing the focus on immersive experiences.

How Singapore Is Adapting to the New Tourism Landscape

As Singapore adapts to these changes, its tourism strategies are also shifting. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is focusing on attracting “higher-yield” visitors, with the aim of growing tourism receipts to S$47 to S$50 billion by 2040. This strategy focuses on luxury travellers, business professionals, and those seeking a more exclusive travel experience. The STB is actively promoting its strong offering of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, which cater to corporate clients who tend to have higher spending power.

Moreover, the Singaporean government is working to extend the average length of stay for visitors, thereby increasing the spending potential per tourist. By focusing on longer stays, the city-state can encourage tourists to explore beyond its famous shopping districts and engage more with local attractions, events, and dining experiences. Tourism authorities believe that diversifying tourism offerings beyond shopping is key to maintaining Singapore’s appeal in a competitive global tourism market.

Key Takeaways for Travelers Visiting Singapore

For those planning a trip to Singapore, it’s essential to keep in mind the city’s changing tourist landscape. The focus is no longer solely on shopping, but rather on experiences that offer cultural enrichment, entertainment, and culinary delights. Tourists can now enjoy a wide variety of experiences, from exploring the Marina Bay Sands, to attending world-class concerts and indulging in local food at hawker stalls or Michelin-star restaurants.

Here are a few tips for making the most of your trip to Singapore:

• Embrace Local Culture: Explore the rich history and culture of Singapore by visiting iconic landmarks like the Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, or the Chinatown Heritage Centre.
• Indulge in Unique Dining Experiences: Singapore is a food lover’s paradise. Don’t miss out on local favourites such as laksa, chilli crab, and satay.
• Attend Special Events: Keep an eye on the local events calendar to catch concerts, festivals, and other major attractions during your stay.
• Explore Beyond Shopping: While Singapore’s retail scene is still impressive, make sure to take time to enjoy the city’s emerging art scene, nature reserves, and sustainable attractions.

Why Singapore Is a Must-Visit Destination

Despite fewer tourist numbers, Singapore continues to prove that its tourism industry is evolving and adapting to new trends. With a greater emphasis on experiences, entertainment, and food, Singapore is solidifying its position as one of Asia’s premier travel destinations. As the city-state continues to diversify its tourism offerings, there’s no better time to visit and discover all that it has to offer beyond the traditional shopping experience.