AS Singapore marks 50 years as a republic, it is interesting to recall the dramatic changes that have swept over the tourism landscape since independence and consider conditions that are current and down the road. The changes experienced constitute a transformation which both reflects and is an outcome of the nation's progress; like any country's tourism, that of Singapore's can be fully understood and explained only in the context of wider factors and forces.

Around 98,500 international tourists travelled to Singapore in 1965, when the world total was about 100 million. The island's principal markets were the USA, the UK and Australia. Many visitors arrived by ship and some flew into the airport at Paya Lebar. The tallest structure they would have seen on the skyline then was the 82-m Asia Insurance Building, and the popular attractions included the Botanic Gardens, Haw Par Villa and National Museum; they would have also indulged in bargain shopping.

Tourists worldwide exceeded a billion in 2013, a year when Singapore's arrivals hit a record 15.6 million and receipts, S$23.5 billion. The number fell to 15.1 million last year, although spending remained at the previous year's level.