SingapoRediscovers vouchers can help make domestic tourism a habit

THE year-end festive season and school holidays usually see an exodus of well-travelled Singaporeans flying off to spend their holidays - and money - abroad. With the Covid-19 pandemic having clipped their wings, the question is whether enough of these flows will be channelled into Singapore's domestic sector instead.

Given anecdotal accounts of fully-booked restaurants, busy bars, and crowds returning to malls, one might be forgiven for thinking that domestic discretionary spending is holding up despite the downturn.

Yet, statistics caution against such a rosy view. After a burst of post-"circuit breaker" exuberance, retail sales as well as takings of food-and-beverage services fell month-on-month in September. The October figures, to be released next week, may give further indication as to whether spending is holding up.