Singapore’s tourism scene has shifted dramatically since 2019. According to a new report from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, with input from the Singapore Tourism Board, total tourism receipts in 2024 have already surpassed pre-pandemic levels—even though visitor numbers haven’t fully recovered. Tourists are spending less on shopping and hotels, but more on dining, entertainment, sightseeing, and gaming.

What’s driving this move from shopping to experiences? And how will it shape Singapore’s strategy to attract higher-spending visitors and boost tourism receipts by 2040?

On The Big Story, Alexandra Parada speaks with Aidan Wong, Assistant Professor of Urban Studies at SMU, to unpack these trends.

Singapore&rsquo;s tourism scene has shifted dramatically since 2019. According to a new report from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, with input from the Singapore Tourism Board, total tourism receipts in 2024 have already surpassed pre-pandemic levels&mdash;even though visitor numbers haven&rsquo;t fully recovered.&nbsp;Tourists are spending less on shopping and hotels, but more on dining, entertainment, sightseeing, and gaming.
What&rsquo;s driving this move from shopping to experiences? And how will it shape Singapore&rsquo;s strategy to attract higher-spending visitors and boost tourism receipts by 2040?
On The Big Story, Alexandra Parada speaks with Aidan Wong, Assistant Professor of Urban Studies at SMU, to unpack these trends.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion,

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day’s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.

From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what’s happening — with clarity, context and a touch of personality.

Whether you’re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected — all the way home.

And she closes the day with a song that says it all.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4&ndash;8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day&rsquo;s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.
From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; with clarity, context and a touch of personality.
Whether you&rsquo;re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected &mdash; all the way home.
And she closes the day with a song that says it all.