Good News for Singapore Tourism Industry
China and Singapore have recently agreed to a 30-day visa exemption for their citizens, a development following China’s visa-free travel policy for six countries. This agreement, set to be implemented in early 2024, aims to facilitate travel and strengthen bilateral relations. The decision is part of China’s broader strategy to revive its travel and tourism sector, which includes easier visa processes and reduced fees.
Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, speaking in Tianjin, emphasized the growing exchanges between the two nations and the near return to pre-pandemic levels of flight frequency. He stated that the visa-free arrangement will enhance personnel exchanges and fortify the bilateral relationship.
Following this announcement, significant increases in interest for travel between China and Singapore were reported by travel agencies. Trip.com Group observed a 90% surge in flight searches and a 50% increase in hotel bookings, while Tongcheng Travel noted an 18% rise in online traffic for Singapore tourism, particularly from Guangdong, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Shandong provinces.
A visa department staff member from Jinjiang Travel mentioned that Singapore is a popular winter destination for Chinese travelers, especially during the Spring Festival. The visa exemption has already spurred increased interest, even though specific details are pending.
In July, China reinstated a 15-day visa-free policy for Singaporean passport holders, paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. Singapore, a favored destination, welcomed around 1 million visits from China in the first nine months of this year.
Thailand and Malaysia and now Singapore
This visa exemption follows similar policies from Thailand and Malaysia, aimed at attracting Chinese tourists. Xiao Peng from Qunar Big Data Research Institute believes the exemption could boost travel to Singapore, especially during the Spring Festival, offering an opportunity to visit two destinations in one trip.
To further encourage travel, China has introduced various measures, including a 25% reduction in visa fees for several countries and enabling overseas tourists to use major domestic payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay with international credit or debit cards.
Marketing to Chinese tourists
In marketing to Chinese tourists, emphasizing cultural experiences, shopping opportunities, and culinary adventures can be effective. Highlighting popular Singaporean destinations like Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and Sentosa Island, through targeted social media campaigns and collaborations with Chinese influencers, could further entice travelers. Offering Mandarin-speaking guides, Chinese cuisine options, and payment facilities like Alipay and WeChat Pay can enhance the travel experience for Chinese tourists.
