Singapore’s business events sector has emerged as a key pillar in the nation’s record-breaking tourism performance, driving a total of S$23.9 billion (US$18.8 billion) in tourism receipts for 3Q2025.
This 6.5 per cent increase over 2024 represents the highest revenue ever recorded for this period. The sector’s strength was bolstered by prestigious global rankings, with Singapore placing first in Asia-Pacific and third worldwide according to ICCA.
High-impact events like the Milken Institute Asia Summit and ITMA Asia + CITME, alongside massive incentive movements such as the 6,100-delegate Sun Pharma Star Club Awards, also demonstrated Singapore’s status as a business hub.
The broader tourism landscape supported this momentum, with international visitor arrivals reaching 16.9 million. Mainland China remained the top source market with 3.1 million visitors, followed by Indonesia and Australia.
Spending growth was particularly robust in the sightseeing, entertainment, and F&B sectors, which all saw a 15 per cent surge. The hotel industry remained stable with an 81.9 per cent occupancy rate, even as capacity expanded with new luxury openings like Raffles Sentosa and Mandai Rainforest Resort. Additionally, the cruise industry saw a nine per cent increase in passenger throughput.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Singapore Tourism Board expects 2026 international visitor arrivals to reach between 17 to 18 million, bringing in approximately S$31 to S$32.5 billion in tourism receipts.
This optimistic outlook is fuelled by a massive business events pipeline, including the Herbalife Extravaganza –set to be the city’s largest-ever incentive event with 25,000 attendees – and the recently-concluded Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) 2026 Annual Conference (held for the first time outside the US in its 40-year history).
All six purpose-built business events venues also obtained sustainability certification, while over 80 per cent of Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) members achieved sustainability certification, exceeding the target set for December 2025. The tourism sector’s commitment was further strengthened with the launch of the Attractions Sustainability Roadmap in partnership with the Association of Singapore Attractions to drive industry- wide adoption.
Massive infrastructural investments, such as the US$8 billion expansion of Marina Bay Sands, will also add around 18,580m2 of meeting space, a 570-suite luxury hotel tower featuring rooftop dining, a 15,000-seat arena, and an expanded array of F&B and retail options.
