In the first half of 2025, Indian visitors contributed SGD 812.17 million in spending in Singapore, marking a 4.40% increase compared to the same timeframe last year, according to statistics from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
“Indian travelers remain one of the island’s most economically impactful markets, aiding the surge in luxury expenditure in Singapore,” said Mark Shaw, Chairman of the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA).
ORBA is the principal organization overseeing and promoting Orchard Road, Singapore’s premier shopping destination.
Experts note that alongside India, tourists from China and Indonesia are also playing a vital role in helping the city defy global trends of reduced luxury spending.
Also read: How Indians travel: 10 things you should know about domestic and outbound tourism trends
“Indian visitors typically spend more and have longer stays averaging 6.3 days. These extended visits lead to greater discretionary spending across retail, dining, entertainment, attractions, and accommodation,” Shaw remarked.
He made these comments in response to the increased attendance at Orchard Road’s Christmas Market and Village during the year-end festive period.
The Mastercard Economics Institute’s 2024 Travel Trends report indicated that as India’s affluent population grows, there is a heightened interest in luxury experiences, jewelry, and high-end fashion, reflective of increasing disposable incomes and aspirational lifestyles.
In the first ten months of the year, Indian visitor arrivals to Singapore totaled 1.03 million, representing a 2.6% year-on-year increase, according to STB data. Overall, Singapore welcomed 14.25 million visitors from January to October 2025, up 2.5%.
As reported by Euromonitor International, Singapore is one of the few major tourism hubs projected to experience an increase in luxury sales this year.
Also read: Indians start early bookings this winter holiday season; opt experience-led stays: Report
The London-based market research firm anticipates that luxury spending in Singapore will rise 7-9% to approximately SGD 13.9 billion in 2025, outperforming other regional shopping centers like China and Japan.
This growth is driven by affluent consumers seeking premium products and experiences, often termed “quiet luxury.” Additionally, Singapore continues to house an increasing number of high-net-worth individuals, including 55 billionaires, as noted in a UBS wealth report published on December 4.
Global luxury brands such as Prada and Van Cleef & Arpels have enhanced their presence along Orchard Road’s hotel and shopping belt with outdoor displays, taking advantage of increased visitor activities during the festive season.
A major highlight is ORBA’s annual Orchard Road Christmas Light-Up, recognized as one of the world’s top five events, featuring vibrant displays, snowfall spectacles, markets, live entertainment, and street festivities.
Orchard Road is one of Singapore’s two principal shopping districts that continues to attract leading global luxury brands.
