Singapore attracted an increasing number of travellers in the 20th century. This was due to a rapidly growing tourist industry brought about by the growth in world markets and improvements in transport and communications, especially with the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. The influx of tourists fuelled the market for postcards which represented Singapore in a series of familiar, pleasing and ultimately saleable pictures depicting scenic views, architecture, studio portraits and everyday life. Raffles Place has been the commercial centre of Singapore since its establishment as a British trading settlement by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819.
