While most of the world is still waiting for the return of the plentiful Chinese tourists, tiny Singapore is a global exception. More than 327,000 people arrived in Singapore from China in February, about 96% of 2019 levels, the data showed. The Singapore Tourism Board announced this last week. Cirium data shows scheduled departure seat capacity in the first quarter has already reached 101 percent of 2019 levels, and that number is expected to surge in the coming months. The recovery has outpaced growth in neighboring markets, with tourist arrivals in Thailand now at around 63 per year. It was 50 percent of its pre-pandemic level in February, and about 48 percent in Indonesia’s latest quarter. In Europe, the number of visitors from China is expected to decrease by about 40% from 2019, but the U.S. National Tourism Organization predicts that, due in part to geopolitical factors, the total number of visitors in 2024 will be lower than that of the new coronavirus infection. It is predicted that this will be about 73% of the previous level. It’s tense and sometimes feels like China. Madam Chew, a tourist from Xiamen who can navigate using Mandarin and Hokkien It stands to benefit as the world’s second most populous country reopens after a year of strict Covid controls. The move took place all at once during the Lunar New Year holiday, when many travelers flocked to visit family and friends who had moved to the city-state in recent years.
For Madam Zhuo from Xiamen, who was visiting her daughter and 10-year-old grandson, comfort is part of Singapore’s charm. She said the city, where her family moved a year ago, is much more accessible than other countries and more than 70 percent of its residents are overseas Chinese.
“Singapore is very urban, very clean and very expensive,” Mr Zhuo said as we walked through Merlion Park, home to the eponymous statue and one of the biggest beneficiaries of the tourism boom. Ta. “Sometimes it feels like China. You can move inside [using] Mandarin and Hokkien. ”
As the city loses its charm, mainland Chinese only take day trips to Hong Kong
Spending by Chinese tourists is also increasing, despite a weak domestic economy and weak consumer sentiment. According to Trip.com data, his average spending on flights, hotels, etc. per trip to Singapore increased by 30% year-on-year.
“This is a good sign that Chinese travelers are increasingly interested in visiting Singapore following the implementation of reciprocal visa-free travel,” said Edmund Ong, general manager of Trip.com Singapore. “Not only are visitor numbers increasing, but so is the average amount spent per traveler.”
Singapore also develops activities for more Westernized Chinese youth.
Yu Peixin, a 20-year-old student at Shanghai University of Science and Technology, flew to Shanghai to see Taylor Swift’s last show in Asia. She paid more than 4,000 yuan (US$556) for her flight, about twice the usual amount. “It’s worth it,” she said.
Taylor Swift fans from Vietnam and Chongqing, China are showing off their makeup ahead of one of the American pop star’s six concerts in Singapore earlier this month. Photo: Reuters Travelers like Yu show that the government’s exclusive contracts with concert promoters are paying off. Swift’s popularity and the lack of shows in other countries have led to an influx of foreign tourists, prompting economists to raise their forecasts for the country’s economic performance.
Both Yu and Zhuo took daily direct flights from their respective cities. China’s economic headwinds and soaring fares have not dampened demand for travel to Singapore.
Although flights from China to most parts of the world have been disrupted and remain largely disrupted by the coronavirus, China and Singapore still maintain good connections. Scheduled seats between the two countries are expected to recover to 101% of 2019 levels in the first quarter of this year, driving the recovery in the key Chinese outbound travel market.
“The advantage of the Singapore and Chinese markets is that they are very diversified,” said Lim Chin Kiat, Changi Airport’s executive vice president of air hub and cargo development. In addition to business and government trips, many people cross the border to visit family.
A Singapore Airlines plane took off from Changi Airport earlier this year. Despite the turmoil of the pandemic era, China and Singapore maintain good ties. Photo: AFP The conservative government’s emphasis on safety also comes as a result of increased travel concerns post-COVID-19, especially amid increasing reports of hostility towards Chinese and people of Asian descent in other parts of the world. It is playing a role in the revival. Singapore remains a top attraction for Chinese travelers, who consider crime one of their main concerns. Regional rival Thailand has suffered reputational damage due to recent safety incidents.
“Singapore has always been seen as a reliable partner by the Chinese government and the Chinese people,” said Ching Hao Fan, associate professor of political science at the NUS Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Yale-NUS University.
These strong ties are especially important at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with the world’s two largest economies, the United States and China, at odds on everything from trade to military power.
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The friendly bilateral relations between China and Singapore extend to cross-cultural exchange in daily life, making the city more comfortable and attractive to visitors.
Singapore is one of the few countries that views China positively, according to a Pew Research Center report. The feeling is mutual, and Huang attributes it to the strong cultural ties between the two countries.
Taku’s experience reflects history.
After dropping off her grandchildren, she said, “I also walked around the city.” “People are very friendly.”
