Big ticket spectacles have played a critical role in attracting millions of visitors back to Southeast Asia since the reopening of borders. Airlines and tourism companies expanded service to the Philippines as Manila hosted the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 from August 25 to September 10. On opening day, a record 38,115 spectators were present at the Philippine Arena for the match between the Philippines and the Dominican Republic.
Complementing the games, the Philippines Department of Tourism coordinated with several tourism associations to offer international tourists special packages. The offers span more than ten travel agencies and over 75 hotels and resorts across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Government officials and industry leaders hoped to showcase the Philippines' robust economic recovery and “world-renowned hospitality” to an expected 600,000 spectators.
On September 15 to 17, Singapore welcomed a more-than-expected 264,108 spectators to the 2023 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix on Marina Bay. With upcoming appearances by Coldplay and Taylor Swift, concerts are expected to be a major driver for Singapore’s tourism rebound. There are already 8.7 times more searches for hotels on the six nights Coldplay is set to perform in early 2024. Meanwhile, millions registered to purchase tickets for Swift’s six shows at Singapore’s National Stadium, the singer’s only stop in Southeast Asia.
