SINGAPORE: The Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS) announced that Sarawak has achieved its highest-ever recorded visitor arrivals from Singapore in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the state’s tourism and trade relations with the Republic.

According to a statement, total visitor arrivals from Singapore reached a record 64,295 visitors in 2025, representing a 5.8 per cent year-on-year increase compared to 59,793 arrivals in 2024.

“Based on an estimated average expenditure of RM3,500 per visitor, Singaporean travellers contributed approximately RM225 million in tourism receipts to Sarawak in 2025.

“This year-on-year growth alone generated an additional RM15.7 million for the state’s economy, benefiting local businesses across the hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors.

“The strong spending power of Singaporean travellers continues to position Singapore as one of Sarawak’s most lucrative and strategically important tourism markets,” it said on Tuesday.

Notably, these figures exclude expatriates residing in Singapore, suggesting that the actual economic impact is potentially significantly higher than reported.

STATOS Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani said that reaching this historic high is a testament to the dedication of STATOS’ team and the rich, diverse experiences Sarawak offers.

“An increase of over 4,500 visitors year-on-year demonstrates that Sarawak is not just a destination, but a preferred choice for Singaporeans seeking meaningful, accessible, and high-quality travel experiences, especially for weekend getaway,” he said.

In 2025, STATOS successfully secured international, and public school groups from Singapore for educational trips to Sarawak, generating over RM2 million in revenue and surpassing initial targets, reinforcing Sarawak’s growing reputation as a destination for education tourism and experiential learning.

The statement noted that beyond travel, STATOS continued to play a pivotal role in connecting Sarawak agencies with Singapore’s education sector, facilitating discussions on joint projects, industrial attachments, and academic collaborations.

Overall, STATOS delivered strong outcomes in 2025 by strengthening Sarawak’s positioning in the Singapore market across education tourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), niche travel segments, trade engagement, and destination branding.

The record-breaking performance coincides with strengthened bilateral relations. Following the announcement of the planned opening of the Consulate of Singapore in Sarawak, improved travel facilitation and diplomatic support are expected to further enhance visitor flows and economic collaboration in the coming years. -UKASnews