With the number of Covid-19 cases kept low, Singapore has started to gradually re-open its borders to welcome visitors back to the country.
The result?
14,676 travellers visiting Singapore in November 2020.
This was the highest number of visitor arrivals recorded since travel restrictions were implemented back in March 2020.
The STB defines visitor arrivals as international visitors who spend less than a year in Singapore.
It excludes returning Singapore citizens, permanent residents and pass holders, Malaysian citizens arriving by land. Non-resident air and sea crew, as well as air transit passengers, are also excluded.
In other words, it’s mostly tourists or people coming for work purposes.
Visitors Came from China, Indonesia and Malaysia, Among Others
These visitors arrived from China, Indonesia and Malaysia among others. Of these, visitors from China formed the majority, with about 4,010 travellers hailing from the country.
3,120 visitors were from Indonesia, while 1,200 came from Malaysia.
Some of the other visitors arrived from countries such as Japan, Vietnam and France.
This was a vast difference as compared to April 2020, where the total number of visitors to Singapore was 750.
It was due to the fact that the entry and transit of all short-term visitors were restricted from 23 March 2020 onwards due to the pandemic.
Now, let’s compare it to the numbers in 2019 and you’d know why several sectors are struggling.
1.53 Million Visitors to Singapore in November 2019
Back in November 2019, tourist arrival rates stood at 1.53 million, which was a 99 per cent drop as compared to November 2020.
Though it’s a far cry as compared to pre-Covid days, the figure recorded in November 2020 saw a 9.5 per cent jump versus October 2020.
Drop in Hotel Revenue and Hotel Occupancy Rate
The drop in visitor arrivals saw the hospitality industry experiencing ripple effects as well.
Hotel room revenue was at $66.3 million as of November 2020, down by 0.6 per cent as compared to October 2020. On a year-on-year basis, there was a sharp drop of 82 per cent.
In addition, the average occupancy rate was 53.8 per cent in November, as compared to 88.9 per cent the year before.
The average room rates in November increased to $144.60, up from $138.20 as compared to October. It was lower by 33.2 per cent from $216.50 in the same month of 2019.
However, remember, this was before…
SingapoRediscovers Vouchers
Though we can’t travel overseas for a holiday, we can still enjoy a short respite in Singapore.
To support Singapore’s tourism business, the government set aside $320 million in credits in December 2020 to encourage Singaporeans to rediscover the city.
The SingapoRediscovers vouchers worth $100 was given out to residents last month. During the first day of redemption on 1 December 2020, more than 11,900 vouchers were redeemed. This amounted to $1.86 million in redemption and payment.
The vouchers can be used to book hotel stays, as well as to purchase attractions and tours tickets.
They are valid till 30 June 2021.
Featured Image: kandl stock / Shutterstock.com
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