Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT):
Understanding the Supply and Demand Sides
In the OIC Member Countries
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3.6 Singapore
Singapore is one of the most successful destinations which has been able to cater to the needs
of both Muslim and non-Muslim travelers. The success on the MFT market is mainly due to its
proximity to Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei as well as having a large local Muslim community.
The local Muslim population constitutes around 15% of the total population. This has also
meant that sizable population of Singaporeans do have a better understanding of the some of
the faith-based practice and needs of the Muslims.
Muslim Tourist Arrivals
Muslim visitor arrivals have reported a good growth over the past four years. Table 27 shows
inbound tourism data from 2010 to 2014 and the projections for 2020.
Table 27: Muslim visitor arrivals to Singapore for the period 2010 to 2020
Year (Inbound Tourism) 2010 2014 2020E
Inbound Muslim Visitor Arrivals (Millions) 2.35 3.14 5.19
Inbound Expenditure by Muslim Visitor (US$ Millions) 3,643 5,159 9,923
Source: CrescentRating, 2015
Below are a few highlights of the Muslim tourist arrival data;
- Forecast growth of inbound Muslim visitors over the next five years will be 9.3
percent. This reflects the increasing initiatives and strategies by the government and
other travel industry players to attract the Muslim tourist. Singapore is expected to
continue attracting the Muslim tourist. The total Muslim visitor arrivals by 2020 will
be 5.19 million compared to 3.14 million in 2014.
- The growth of inbound Muslim visitor expenditure over the next five years will be 12.0
percent. Muslims are expected to spend higher on accommodation and shopping. Their
duration of stay in Singapore would be on average longer than other tourist. In the
year 2020 Muslim tourist is expected to spend average of US$1,912, compared to
US$1,643 in 2014.
- In 2014 Muslims accounted for 24.6 percent of total arrivals, this is expected to
increase to 27.2 percent over the forecast period.
- The country is recognized for its safety, continued upgrading and enhancement to
existing attractions, building new attractions, Halal dining experience, ease of access to
prayer spaces and shopping.
Singapore tourism sector is becoming competitive. Mohamed Firhan Abdul Salam, Middle East
& Africa Area Director for Singapore Tourism Board, commented that Arab tourists from Middle
East region to Singapore would spend about 2 to 3 nights on Sentosa Island then move their stay
to a hotel on Orchard road for an equivalent duration stay. Singapore is also a favored
destination due to its shopping experiences, with the latest designer fashion wear available much
earlier than in other destinations.
John Conceicao – Director of strategic planning and innovation, Singapore Tourism Board said
that Muslim visitors are important to Singapore tourism, with many coming from our top key
markets Indonesia and Malaysia, and increasingly from the Middle East.