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Mixed views on how much Singapore-China visa exemption will boost tourism

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Elysia Tan &

Benicia Tan

Published Fri, Jan 26, 2024 · 09:24 PM
    • Interest has been rising since both countries announced that the arrangement was in the works – though without a start date –  early last December, say industry players.
    • Interest has been rising since both countries announced that the arrangement was in the works – though without a start date –  early last December, say industry players. PHOTO: CHERYL ONG, BT

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    CHINESE tourists are showing more interest in visiting Singapore, ahead of a mutual visa exemption that starts on Feb 9, said travel companies.

    But the extent of the boost to arrivals remains to be seen, as Singapore’s high-cost reputation is still a barrier.

    In the hour after the Jan 25 announcement, searches for Singapore tourism products on Trip.com’s China platform increased by more than 14 times from the previous day, said Trip.com Singapore’s general manager Edmund Ong.

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