Written reply to PQs on outlook on Singapore’s tourism and MICE sectors given Middle East conflict

Questions:

Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what is the Ministry’s current assessment of the outlook for Singapore’s tourism sector in light of ongoing energy cost pressures, reports of flight cancellations and a stronger Singapore dollar following recent monetary policy tightening; and (b) how these factors are expected to impact visitor arrivals, airline capacity and tourism receipts. 

Mr Liang Eng Hwa: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the global energy shortages triggered by the Middle East conflict have impacted the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry; (b) whether any upcoming conventions or exhibitions have been postponed or cancelled; and (c) whether tourism receipts from MICE can be sustained and grown in the coming years given the current outlook. 

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1.                  I will take PQ 2146 and PQ 2213 together. These questions pertain to the Middle East situation and its impact on the tourism sector, including the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. My response today will also cover a related Parliamentary Question (PQ 1502) filed for written answer by Mr Ng Shi Xuan.

2.                  In February 2026, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced that it expects international visitor arrivals in 2026 to reach 17 to 18 million, bringing in approximately S$31.0 to S$32.5 billion in tourism receipts. We are off to a steady start, with Singapore welcoming 4.4 million visitors in the first quarter – a 3% increase from the same period last year.

3.                  While there have been some postponements, downsizing and cancellations of corporate meetings and conferences, our MICE industry has largely remained resilient. Many major events held recently in Singapore have reported strong numbers. For instance, the Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2026, which took place in end-March, attracted close to 19,500 trade visitors in its largest-ever edition.

4.                  Our events pipeline for 2026 to 2027 also remains healthy. Singapore has secured major association conferences such as Innovate4Climate 2026 and will host inaugural events including Passenger Terminal Expo Asia 2026 and Innotrans Asia 2027. On the leisure events front, we recently hosted KOOZA by Cirque du Soleil, as its exclusive Southeast Asia stop, and we can look forward to upcoming concerts by Post Malone, Guns N’ Roses, and BTS.

5.                  We are mindful that the tourism sector could be affected if heightened fuel costs lead to airline capacity cuts and fare increases. As the conflict lengthens, travel propensity among more price-sensitive tourists may weaken, especially against a stronger Singapore dollar. STB is actively adapting its market strategies to respond to these shifting dynamics. These include enhancing marketing campaigns and working closely with industry partners to develop attractive offers.

6.                  We remain confident in Singapore’s long-term tourism prospects, anchored by our world-class infrastructure and reputation as a safe, reliable, and trusted hub. STB will continue to pursue a diverse range of MICE events to secure a robust events pipeline and support the development of best-in-class tourism products, concepts and events. This is to ensure Singapore remains a compelling destination, especially as we continue to pursue high-yield visitors as part of our quality tourism strategy.