S'pore saw 16.9 million international visitors in 2025, 1st phase of Greater Sentosa Master Plan has begun: Alvin Tan

The first phase of the Greater Sentosa Master Plan has commenced to upgrade the island's infrastructure.

The plan is part of the bid to make Singapore more attractive to visitors, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan said in Parliament on Mar. 2, speaking during the Ministry of Trade & Industry's Committee of Supply debate.

He shared that the country welcomed 16.9 million international visitors in 2025, a 2.3 per cent increase from 2024, largely boosted by world-class events and major new attractions.

He cited examples such as the Lady Gaga concert, the World Aquatics Championships 2025, Rainforest Wild, and Illumination's Minion Land.

“Building on this momentum, we expect international visitor arrivals to reach between 17 and 18 million this year, bringing in approximately S$31 to S$32.5 billion in tourism receipts,” Tan said.

In 2026, Singapore will strengthen its stage, people, and line-up of events to remain attractive to visitors.

By "stage", Tan referred to Singapore's precincts and infrastructure, a key one being Sentosa.

Upgrading Sentosa

In the first phase of the Sentosa upgrade, there will be a new transport hub added to link Sentosa and Pulau Brani — collectively known as Greater Sentosa.

The Sentosa-Brani Masterplan was first unveiled in 2019, to be rolled out over the next 20 to 30 years.

The new transport hub will also house lifestyle and hospitality developments.

Additionally, the Sentosa Express will be replaced to improve connectivity.

"We will also rejuvenate our beaches and add coastal protection measures so visitors can enjoy a day in the beach, even as we protect Sentosa from rising sea levels," Tan said.

Furthermore, new icons will be created in Sentosa.

An example is Imbiah Canopy, which Tan described as a beacon atop Mount Imbiah leading visitors to heritage buildings and nature trails.

More details on the Greater Sentosa Master Plan will be shared later in 2026. Tan invited the public to provide feedback on what they would like to see in a refreshed Sentosa.

Other infrastructure upgrades

Tan also shared the planned enhancements to the Orchard Road precinct.

In Orchard Road, the government will launch a tender in the following months to transform the former Singapore Chinese Girls’ School on 37 Emerald Hill.

It will become a mixed-use development featuring unique hotel concepts, lifestyle offerings, and community and public spaces that will honour Emerald Hill’s heritage.

Additionally, the Grange Road event space is on track to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The venue, with a capacity of 3,000, can host international touring acts and local artistes.

Top images from MDDI/YouTube and Sentosa Development Corporation