SINGAPORE: The number of COVID-19 cases in Singapore topped 40,818 on Monday (June 15th) reported as of noon. Tourism arrivals and receipts for 2020 will take a significant hit as a result of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), but Singapore’s tourism sector is aiming for a strong recovery on the back of four years of consecutive growth, a compelling pipeline of tourism investments, and efforts to build new capabilities. In addition, the government will form a public-private sector Tourism Recovery Action Task Force to lay out the plans for recovery and future growth. The Novel Coronavirus has had a significant impact on visitor arrivals, especially from China, which accounts for around 20 per cent of international visitor arrivals. Visitor arrivals from STB’s other key source markets are also expected to fall due to lower travel confidence globally. Based on the current situation, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) expects visitor arrivals this year to fall by about 25 to 30 per cent. Chief Executive of Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Mr Keith Tan said: “Singapore’s tourism sector is facing its biggest challenge since SARS in 2003. But unlike SARS, we are now better prepared and more resilient. Our destination remains attractive, we have a strong pipeline of tourism products, and our market portfolio is diverse.”