CHINESE arrivals to Singapore from January to November last year recorded a dramatic year-on-year dip of 25.7 per cent, according to Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) latest statistics released on Monday.
The decline follows China’s imposition of anti-zero-fare tour laws, along with Thailand’s political unrest and the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines’ flight MH370.
Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore had hitherto been Chinese tourists’ favourite choices for multi-destination tours in the region.
However, there are some signs of recovery with Chinese arrivals climbing 9.9 per cent last November, continuing the upward trend observed since October.
Overall, STB data shows a year-on-year 3.6 per cent fall in international visitor arrivals last November.
While Indonesia recorded an 8.1 per cent drop, it nevertheless accounted for the largest number, with 219,037 visitors.
Saudi Arabia was the fastest-growing market for Singapore from January to November last year, with 24,337 visitors – a 30 per cent year-on-year climb and the largest jump for any country.
