Singapore’s status as a burgeoning tourism destination has been given a boost by the news that the nine millionth customer passed through Terminal Two of its famous Changi Airport earlier today.

Elena Vladykina, from Moscow, was greeted by a colourful scene of drums, costumed dancers and petals as the celebrations got into full swing – and also received a blinding array of free gifts to mark her stay.

Total tourist spending in the Asian peninsula state could hit S$12 billion this year – and Dr Chan Tat Hon, assistant chief executive (leisure) at the Singapore Tourism Board, pointed to a growth in visitor numbers overall.

He said: "In 1995, we received more than seven million visitors for the first time in a year but it took us almost ten years before we hit the eight million mark in 2004. Now it’s taken us only two years for us to hit the nine million mark."

Singapore is emerging as a destination in its own right for travelers from the US and further afield after previously being known primarily for its usefulness as a stopover en route to places such as Australia and New Zealand.

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