India – Singapore mark 60 years of travel & tourism connect

“To mark this 60 year milestone between both the countries, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched several exciting initiatives tailored for Indian travellers”, shared Markus Tan, Regional Director - India, Middle East, South Asia & Africa, Singapore Tourism Board. “It’s no surprise that every time Indian travellers’ step into Singapore, there’s something new to discover, yet always with a comforting sense of home.”

By Markus Tan

The bond between India and Singapore is more than just diplomatic; it is deeply personal, rooted in over six decades of shared history and cultural exchange.  For me, watching the evolution of India-Singapore ties over the years has been remarkable. Every time I see Indian families creating new memories in our gardens or young Indian visitors exploring our bustling streets, I'm reminded that this relationship transcends mere tourism. It's about two cultures that have grown together, learned from each other, and continue to write new chapters in their shared story. As we celebrate 60 years of friendship, I see not just statistics and milestones, but countless personal stories of connection, discovery, and belonging.

For many Indians, Singapore is not just a place on the map; it is a living memory, a second home. Beyond the well-trodden lanes of Little India and the lights of Deepavali, the connection thrives in quieter, deeper ways. It's in the serene chants at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at dawn, in the rhythmic footwork of Bharatanatyam students at community centres across the island, and in the familiar flavours of thosai served at hawker centres. 

From the annual Thaipusam procession that winds through city streets to the Tamil literary festivals held in libraries, Singapore is a place where tradition adapts without fading, where identities evolve without erasing their roots. As two Asian nations with shared histories and deep cultural ties, India and Singapore share extensive connections that go far beyond the more than 280 weekly flights linking both countries. In Singapore, the Indian diaspora doesn’t just remember where it came from; it actively shapes where it’s going.

So, it’s no surprise that every time Indian travellers' step into Singapore, there’s something new to discover, yet always with a comforting sense of home. Whether it’s the delicious street food in Lau Pat Sa or the hidden gems tucked away in neighbourhoods like Katong Joo Chiat and Kampong Glam, there is a perfect blend of the old and new. And that is exactly what keeps them coming back. No two visits to Singapore are ever the same; there is always something new to explore, taste, or experience.

Singapore is making 2025 even more special for Indian travellers with curated experiences and exclusive offering.

With 2025 marking 60 years of bilateral relations between India and Singapore, Indian consumers can look forward to an action-packed calendar of experiences, entertainment, and offers celebrating this enduring friendship. To mark this 60 year milestone between both the countries, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched several exciting initiatives tailored for Indian travellers. The 60 INSIDERS is a standout programme - an exclusive inner circle of expert insiders sharing their personal travel stories, hidden gems, and insider tips to help you experience Singapore like never before. This curated group features 60 prominent personalities from both India and Singapore, ranging from influential business leaders to cultural icons and key figures in the travel and tourism industry.

Another upcoming highlight is THE GAMECHANGERS STUDIO—a platform that will spotlight Indian thought leaders whose journeys connect deeply with Singapore. Expect inspiring stories and fresh perspectives on the city-state. And if music is your thing, look out for HIDDEN GEMS, a unique musical journey through Singapore’s cultural districts, led by an Indian artist later this year. It’s a fresh and immersive way to feel the city’s vibrant energy. Another soon to be launched initiative, FRIENDS OF SINGAPORE will invite Indian content creators to capture the essence of Singapore in their own creative ways, showcasing the city's diverse offerings. This programme will culminate in a member of this community being crowned the Travel Content Creator of the Year.

These initiatives are designed for Indian audiences to enjoy both from the comfort of their homes and while exploring their own cities—building excitement and connection even before they travel. And for those planning a trip to Singapore this year, there’s even more in store. The JUST BETWEEN US FRIENDS programme running until December 2025, where travellers from India visiting CapitaLand Malls, Changi Airport Group, ION Orchard, Jewel Changi Airport, Paragon and Mustafa will enjoy attractive deals, by these popular retail institutions in Singapore to celebrate this milestone year. In addition, 12 participating leading travel agents across India, Air India, IndiGO and Singapore Airlines are running exciting campaigns to encourage travelling to Singapore in 2025.

Continuing the suite of collaborations and initiatives, STB India recently entered a tripartite partnership with Changi Airport Group and Sentosa Development Corporation, aimed at increasing visitors from India through joint marketing campaigns, tailored itineraries and curated content.

And to make every journey even smoother, old and new partnerships are bridging the gap between these two countries like never before. A 2024 partnership with PhonePe has enabled UPI payments at over 33,000 merchants today across Singapore, making transactions as simple and familiar as they are back home. These initiatives not only highlight the unique charm of Singapore but also provide Indian travellers with a more personalised and enriching time in Singapore. 

Indian travellers have a host of new attractions and experiences to look forward to in Singapore this year

New adventures await in 2025. First time or fifth, Singapore always has a surprise up its sleeve. From fresh attractions to familiar places seen differently, the city invites deeper discovery.

Earlier this year, Mandai Wildlife Reserve unveiled Rainforest Wild ASIA, a 13-hectare park that replicates Southeast Asia’s diverse ecosystems, featuring Malayan tigers, sun bears, and langurs in naturalistic habitats. For those seeking a peaceful stay immersed in nature, the new Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree offers a serene retreat where guests can wake up surrounded by lush greenery, enjoy the sounds of birdsong, and easily access the nearby wildlife parks. Set within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, this tranquil resort offers the perfect blend of nature and proximity to the city.

Another thrilling attraction unveiled this year at Universal Studios Singapore is Minion Land! A vibrant and playful new area where guests can immerse themselves in the mischievous world of the beloved Minions. With fun-filled rides, interactive experiences, and a chance to meet iconic characters like Gru, Dave, and the Minions themselves, it's an adventure that's sure to bring out the kid in everyone.

The reimagined Singapore Oceanarium is set to open its doors soon, enhancing the legacy of the S.E.A. Aquarium with deeper, more immersive marine storytelling. This December, Disney Cruise Line will embark on its first-ever Southeast Asia voyage from Singapore, bringing beloved characters, themed activities, and magical moments aboard the brand-new Disney Adventure. Also opening in December is the IMBA Theatre at Gardens by the Bay, offering an innovative blend of digital technology, interactive exhibits, and live performances that celebrate Singapore’s cultural vibrancy.

(**Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the publication or its editorial team.)