Tourism Growth in Singapore in October 2025: China, South Korea, and Indonesia Lead the Way, with Rising Visitors from Australia and Malaysia, Here’s What You Should Know

Published on November 21, 2025

Singapore experienced a remarkable surge in international tourism in October 2025, welcoming 1.38 million visitors, a 4.9% increase compared to the same month the previous year. This growth was largely fuelled by high-profile sports events, significant MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities, and international tourists flocking in for major events such as the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. The city’s dynamic tourism landscape is clearly thriving, with key source markets like China, Indonesia, and Australia continuing to dominate, while markets like South Korea saw notable growth due to strategic travel promotions. As Singapore continues to position itself as a premier global travel destination, it’s evident that its event-driven tourism model is proving highly effective in driving international visitor numbers.

Unprecedented Growth in October’s Visitor Tally

In October 2025, Singapore recorded 1.38 million international visitors, a significant jump that has bolstered its tourism sector. Of this number, approximately 74% (1.02 million) were overnight visitors, marking a 2.2% increase year-on-year. Despite this strong influx of travelers, the average stay length dropped slightly, with visitors staying for an average of 3.38 days, a decrease of 3.1% compared to the previous year.

The growth can be attributed to the bustling events calendar that included globally recognized sports events and high-profile business and leisure conferences. Singapore’s robust event pipeline remains a key pillar in attracting both business and leisure travelers.

Major Events Driving Visitor Numbers: A Closer Look

One of the key drivers behind Singapore’s tourism growth in October was the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2025, a marquee event that attracts racing fans from all over the world. Additionally, the World Amateur Team Championship 2025, a prestigious golf event, added to the country’s appeal. Luxury events such as the UltraLuxe festival, alongside notable MICE gatherings like the Milken Institute Asia Summit and ITB Asia, attracted both international business leaders and tourists. The Singapore International Energy Week and ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 were also among the pivotal events contributing to the uptick in visitor arrivals.

These events not only drew in large numbers of attendees but also helped elevate Singapore’s image as a global leader in both sports tourism and the MICE sector.

Key Source Markets: China, Indonesia, and South Korea Lead the Way

China, Indonesia, and Australia have been consistent strong contributors to Singapore’s visitor numbers. In October 2025, China remained the top source market, with 226,000 visitors, though the growth was modest at 0.4% year-on-year. Similarly, Indonesia (177,200 visitors) saw a slight decrease of 0.7%, while Australia contributed 116,370 visitors.

However, it was South Korea that saw the most significant growth among the top 10 feeder countries. South Korean visitors numbered 50,780 in October, a 21% increase year-on-year. This impressive rise was attributed to targeted travel campaigns timed with major public holidays such as the Chuseok festival and Hangeul Day.

The Role of Travel Promotions in Driving Growth

Singapore’s tourism board has leveraged various marketing initiatives to boost arrivals, particularly from South Korea. Strategic collaborations with online travel agencies (OTAs) and airlines during key holiday periods helped stimulate travel to Singapore. Additionally, promotional campaigns with K-pop artists have resonated well with the South Korean market, further fueling this impressive growth in visitor numbers.

These concerted efforts in both digital marketing and holiday-specific promotions highlight the importance of targeted campaigns in driving international tourism.

Singapore’s Long-Term Tourism Outlook

Looking at the bigger picture, Singapore’s tourism sector has experienced a 2.5% year-on-year increase in total visitor arrivals for the first ten months of 2025, reaching 14.25 million. Despite some fluctuations in the top source markets, Singapore continues to be a prime destination for travelers, particularly from mainland China and Southeast Asia.

The tourism board has outlined a continued focus on attracting high-quality visitors, particularly from China, by further developing branded content partnerships and enhancing social media marketing campaigns with travel partners. These efforts are expected to strengthen Singapore’s position as a travel hub in Southeast Asia.

What Travelers Should Know About Visiting Singapore

For travelers looking to visit Singapore, October 2025 was a month of exciting events, but it’s important to stay updated on the city’s bustling events calendar, as it continues to host a range of sports, business conferences, and luxury festivals. To get the best out of your trip, consider aligning your travel dates with key events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix or the Singapore International Energy Week to immerse yourself in Singapore’s vibrant atmosphere.

Additionally, while the average stay length is shorter, the city-state’s transport infrastructure and accommodation options remain top-notch, ensuring that visitors can make the most of their time in this dynamic city.

The Future of Singapore’s Tourism: More Events and More Opportunities

As the Singapore Tourism Board continues to foster its relationship with top international markets, the future looks bright for the city’s tourism sector. With MICE events and major sporting occasions becoming more frequent, business and leisure travelers alike will find plenty of reasons to visit this vibrant global city. It’s clear that Singapore’s strategy of hosting high-profile events while promoting targeted tourism campaigns is paying off, keeping it at the forefront of international travel.