The Most Welcoming Country In The World Has Been Revealed And It May Surprise You

Despite being commonly referred to as the “Fine City”, it might come as a surprise to many that Singapore was recently ranked as the most welcoming country in the world!

According to a study conducted by TravelBird (in conjunction with World Cities Day), Singapore ranked first out of the world’s top 500 tourist destinations based on factors that make visitors feel welcomed. These factors include the quality of a country’s entry points (airports, train stations etc.), language proficiency and the local’s openness to hosting tourists.

First impressions count

Singapore was ranked highest when it came to ports of entry. With the recent opening of Changi Airport Terminal 4 and its host of entertainment and food options, it is no surprise that visitors feel right at home the moment they touchdown in Singapore.

Iconic Teardrop Installation In Changi Airport

You can always crash on a couch in Singapore

Singaporeans also ranked highly when it came to the number of hosts available on websites like couchsurfing.com, revealing just how open locals are to tourists. If visitors are lucky they might even land a host that can take them to local hangouts. In addition to personal hosts, the country also offers a wide variety of hotels, from luxury resorts to artsy boutique hotels.

Minimising language barriers

In Singapore, English is considered the country’s main language, which is great news for many travelers from Western countries that are afraid of facing language barriers. So don’t bother downloading that Google Translate app—Singapore’s got you covered.

Hawker stall owners in Singapore say hello

A lot of tourists tend to leave Singapore with a rather convincing grasp on Singlish. This colloquial language borrows phrases and nuances mostly from Hokkien and Malay dialects, and then weaves them into English sentences. Stay long enough and you might just learn how to order a cup of coffee like a local.

Safety measures

With a low track record for street violence, along with strict laws on drug and alcohol consumption, Singapore is one of the safest countries to visit in the world. The city-state ranks 8.95 out of 10.00 for safety in the TravelBird study.

Singapore’s food markets come alive at night

With an excellent airport, vast accommodation options and a emphasis on safety—not to mention a rich cultural heritage—it’s no wonder Singapore remains a top destination for tourists all over the world.

Thinking of going to experience Singaporean hospitality for yourself? Don’t forget to visit these top 20 attractions while there!