60 years of tourism: Mapping Singapore’s journey as a top destination
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Singapore Tourism Board projects that there will be between 15 and 16.5 million visitor arrivals in 2024.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
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SINGAPORE – Over the past six decades, the tourism sector has made great strides
In 2019, the country gained $27.7 billion in tourism receipts and welcomed 19.1 million visitors – both were record-high numbers.
For 2024, it is projecting tourism receipts between $27.5 billion and $29 billion, and between 15 and 16.5 million tourist arrivals.
Here is a look back at some of Singapore’s tourism milestones since 1964.
1960s
Jan 1, 1964: The Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB) was established.
The Singapore Tourist Promotion Board at Tudor Court, Tanglin Road.
PHOTO: ST FILE
1970s
Jan 3, 1971: Jurong Bird Park opened with 78 aviaries. Its last day of operations was Jan 3, 2023, making way for Bird Paradise.
Jurong Bird Park opened on Jan 3, 1971 with 78 aviaries.
PHOTO: ST FILE
Sept 15, 1972: The first Merlion statue – near the mouth of the Singapore River – was inaugurated by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
The eight-metre-high Merlion sitting at the entrance to the Singapore River, on May 26, 1972.
PHOTO: ST FILE
June 27, 1973: Singapore Zoological Gardens officially opened with a collection of 270 animals from over 72 species, and a staff of 130.
1973 was also when Singapore achieved its “million-tourists-a-year” mark.
Singapore Zoological Gardens officially opened on June 27, 1973.
PHOTO: ST FILE
1980s
July 1, 1981: Changi Airport Terminal 1 officially became operational.
The Control Tower and the passenger terminal building at Changi Airport. The airport officially commenced operations in 1981.
PHOTO: ST FILE
July 1987: Singapore River Cruise was awarded the tender licence to run sightseeing cruises.
A bumboat cruising on the Singapore River with Marina Bay Sands and the ArtScience Museum in the background on May 8, 2014.
PHOTO: ST FILE
1990s
May 13, 1991: Underwater World Singapore, Asia’s largest tropical oceanarium, opened in Sentosa.
The Underwater World’s last day of operations in Sentosa was on June 26, 2016.
PHOTO: ST FILE
May 26, 1994: The Night Safari – the world’s first night zoo – was officially opened by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.
The kinkajou, a furry animal from South America that is about the size of a cat, at the Night Safari.
PHOTO: ST FILE
June 1996: Chijmes, a historical building complex and lifestyle enclave, was reopened to the public after restoration works.
About 300 current and former Covent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) students attended a dinner at the Chijmes Hall in Victoria Street on June 1, 1996.
PHOTO: ST FILE
Nov 19, 1997: Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB) was renamed Singapore Tourism Board.
The Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB) was renamed Singapore Tourism Board.
PHOTO: ST FILE
2000s
Dec 7, 2002: Singapore Ducktours launched with two amphibious sightseeing vehicles that took visitors around the Civic District.
The two large red vehicles from Ducktours will travel on roads before splashing into the water.
PHOTO: ST FILE
April 15, 2008: The Singapore Flyer was officially opened after 2½ years of construction. It sold a million tickets in its first year of operations.
The Singapore Flyer sold a million tickets in its first year of operations.
PHOTO: ST FILE
Sept 26-28, 2008: Singapore’s inaugural Formula One (F1) motor race was held at the Marina Bay street circuit. It was the first F1 race to be held at night.
Singapore’s inaugural Formula One (F1) motor race was the first F1 race to be held at night.
PHOTO: ST FILE
2010s
Jan 20, 2010: Singapore’s first integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa, began opening in phases.
Resorts World Sentosa began opening in phases from Jan 20, 2010.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO FILE
April 27, 2010: Marina Bay Sands began its phased opening, starting with its Mice facilities, casino and hotel.
Marina Bay Sands integrated resort with the Merlion Park in the foreground on Jan 25, 2010.
PHOTO: ST FILE
May 22, 2012: Marina Bay Cruise Centre was completed. It accommodated larger cruise ships and the rise in cruise passenger arrivals.
The Voyage of the Sea cruise ship at Marina Bay Cruise Centre on May 26, 2012.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO FILE
June 29, 2012: Gardens by the Bay opened to the public.
The Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay will be lit up at dusk to have an unconventional take on Christmas trees.
PHOTO: ST FILE
April 17, 2019: Jewel Changi Airport opened with 280 shops and food and beverage outlets.
The Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport.
PHOTO: ST FILE
2020s
July 22, 2020: The SingapoRediscovers domestic campaign* was launched during the Covid-19 pandemic to encourage citizens to support the tourism sector.
Singaporeans 18 and older received $100 worth of vouchers to spend on local attractions, hotels and tours
April 3, 2023: The Free Singapore Tour for transit passengers at Changi Airport resumed with four daily guided tours, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
The Free Singapore Tour resumed with four daily guided tours after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
PHOTO: ST FILE
May 16, 2024: Singapore Tourism Board and Google announced location-based augmented-reality (AR) experiences on Google Maps.
Users can take a look at Chinatown through location-based augmented-reality experiences on Google Maps.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD
Using Street View on Google Maps mobile, users can scan their surroundings with their camera to reveal AR content that overlays their physical surroundings.
