Ep 66: Will Singapore Lead South East Asia's Travel Revival?

About This Episode

15 Apr 2021 β€’ 35m00s

From 2010 to 2019, Singapore’s inbound arrivals grew significantly, from 11.6 million to 19.1 million. This expansion was boosted by the opening of two integrated resorts and smart marketing strategies in China and India. Throughout the 2010s, this small city state punched above its weight by thinking ahead and investing big. Singaporeans themselves are inveterate travellers, who are evidently eager to take flight again.

This week, Gary and Hannah assess what happens next as Singapore makes various moves to reopen its travel economy - with a particular focus on MICE and business events travel. Which markets might Singapore focus on the bring back leisure and business travellers, will the IATA Air Travel pass help the recovery and will the air travel bubble with Hong Kong succeed second time around? Plus, how has Singapore become the world’s largest cruise market during the pandemic, and what new attractions and amenities are planned?

Last, but not least, how many Singaporeans say they would rather take an overseas holiday than fall in love?

View All Episodes

Latest Episodes Catch up with the pods you may have missed

Play
22 Mar 2023 β€’ 36m56s

Ep 170: The Top 10 Travel & Tourism Talking Points in South East Asia in March 2023

With travel and tourism activity continuing to ramp up across South East Asia, Gary and Hannah tackle the top news stories and talking points in March. The journey takes us to Vietnam, Bali (Indonesia), Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Laos … and Switzerland! En route, we discuss mobile rail ticketing in Laos, bad tourist behaviour shaming in Bali, free tourism experiences in Singapore and an interesting legal case in Malaysia addressing the constitutional right (or otherwise) to travel overseas.
Play
15 Mar 2023 β€’ 9m20s

Ep 168: Mini Update - China Restores Inbound Tourism & Expands Outbound Travel

China began reopening to international travel on 8 January 2023, but the impact so far has been gradual. There are various reasons, including the Chinese government’s decision to phase the scaling up of outbound travel capacity. From today, 15 March, outbound group package tours are permitted to 60 countries worldwide. Independent travellers are, of course, free to travel globally. Also from today, China will begin issuing tourist entry visas, and has reestablished visa-free access to Hainan Island and for cruise passengers docking in Shanghai.