Singapore tourism doubled in 10 years, supports 164,000 jobs: WTTC

SINGAPORE'S tourism has doubled in the past 10 years to US$12.4 billion in 2016 and supports 164,000 jobs, according to latest release by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

According to its new study - which covers 65 cities, 21 of which are in the Asia-Pacific region - Chinese cities are at the forefront of tourism growth over the next 10 years.

"With the world average growth rate at 4 per cent per year, and Asia-Pacific at 5.8 per cent, these cities are significantly outpacing both the regional and global average," the study noted.

At 14 per cent growth per year, Chongqing leads the league, followed by Guanghzhou at 13.1 per cent, Shanghai at 12.8 per cent and Beijing at 12 per cent.

The other cities on the top 10 list are Chengdu (11.2 per cent), Manila (10.9 per cent), Delhi (10.8 per cent), Shenzhen (10.7 per cent), Kuala Lumpur (10.1 per cent) and Jakarta (10 per cent).

"The power of Asian cities when it comes to driving the travel and tourism sector is clear to see in this new data. However, not only do these cities contribute significantly to their country's tourism sector, tourism is an important generator of economic growth and jobs within the cities themselves," Gloria Guevara, president and chief executive officer of WTTC said.

According to WTTC, travel and tourism are key drivers for investment and economic growth globally. The sector contributes US$7.6 trillion, or 10.2 per cent of global gross domestic product and accounts for 292 million jobs. That's one in 10 of all jobs on the planet.