Singapore records over 600,000 Indian visitors in first half of 2026
Singapore received over 600,000 Indian visitors in the first half of 2026, while tourism receipts from India rose 8% to S$374 million in Q1. Singapore is expanding partnerships, cruise tourism and new experiences while targeting younger Indians, r...

India recorded the highest growth in tourism receipts among all source markets during the quarter. The figures highlight continued interest among Indian travellers in Singapore’s leisure, lifestyle and business offerings.
STB said it plans to strengthen its long-term strategy in India through partnerships, new experiences and targeted marketing campaigns. The focus will be on attracting quality visitors, encouraging repeat travel and growing leisure and MICE tourism.
“India's consistent performance is particularly meaningful given the global headwinds the travel industry has had to navigate in recent times. It is a testament to the strong relationships we have built with Indian travellers, our airline partners and the travel trade over the years. As we look ahead, our focus remains on working closely with our partners to keep Singapore fresh, accessible and compelling — while continuing to drive quality travel and deepen the market's long-term potential,” said Markus Tan, Regional Director (India, Middle East, South Asia & Africa), Singapore Tourism Board.
STB expands partnerships in India
STB has partnered with MakeMyTrip for a pan-India campaign running from July to November 2026. The campaign promotes Singapore hotel stays and holiday packages of at least four nights.The campaign will reach MakeMyTrip BLACK users and HSBC Premier members through a separate partnership between MakeMyTrip and HSBC India. MakeMyTrip’s B2B platform, myPartner, will also engage travel agents across the country.
STB will further hold a MICE roadshow in New Delhi and a leisure trade roadshow in Mumbai.
Corporate travel and cruise tourism gain pace
Singapore is also seeing continued demand from India’s corporate travel sector. More than 6,000 Sun Pharma delegates visited Singapore last year in one of the largest Indian corporate incentive movements.Recent group movements have included Google India, ICICI Lombard and Arvind Limited. STB expects more corporate groups from the banking, financial services and insurance, pharmaceutical, technology, FMCG, automotive and manufacturing sectors this year.
The Singapore Hotels Incentives for Business Events programme offers meeting planners preferential hotel rates, delegate experiences and other benefits.
Singapore is also expanding its cruise tourism offering. Disney Adventure began year-round sailings from Singapore in March 2026, attracting families, multigenerational groups and corporate incentive travellers.
Navigator of the Seas will be based in Singapore from October 2026 to October 2027. Voyager of the Seas is scheduled to return between January and April 2028 with new regional itineraries.
New experiences target repeat visitors
Singapore has added several attractions, including Rainforest Wild Adventure and Exploria at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the transformed Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa and the IMBA Theatre at Gardens by the Bay.The city’s event calendar will also feature sports, music, culture and lifestyle events, including the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix and concerts by Post Malone, The Weeknd and BTS.
Singapore targets younger Indian travellers
STB is increasing its focus on Millennials and Gen Z travellers through its global “We Don’t Wait For Fun” campaign, which is running in nine markets, including India.The campaign promotes Singapore’s entertainment, nightlife, music, food, culture and lifestyle offerings. STB has also worked with Indian indie band Twin Strings, rapper DIVINE, Vogue India and Esquire India to reach younger and affluent audiences.
The Friends of Singapore 2.0 initiative will become an always-on digital programme featuring influencers and new experiences from Singapore.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.