The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2023 has recorded 264,108 attendees over the three-day race, busting its initial expectations of 250,000 spectators.
This year’s race turnout is lower than 2022’s record high of 302,000 attendees as well as 2019’s 268,000 attendees, but higher than that of 2018 when 263,000 fans were in attendance.
Capacity at the races this year was affected by the closure of the Bay Grandstand due to redevelopment of The Float at Marina Bay, but organisers created six new grandstands as well as additional walkabout tickets to satiate strong demand. These were fully taken up.
Race spectators were offered lively trackside entertainment on Saturday and Sunday, with concerts fronted by big names such as Post Malone, Kings of Leon, Jackson Wang, Robbie Williams and Groove Armada.
Commenting on the race’s impact on Singapore’s tourism industry, Caesar Indra, president of Traveloka, said hotels relatively close to, or just on the outskirts of the racetrack, were most popular, while room rates surged slightly more than 10 per cent over 2022’s F1 race period. There was a healthy mix of three- to four-star hotels among the top-booked accommodation during the F1 weekend.
Indra said: “This is the first year since borders fully reopened and, as one of Singapore’s marquee events, the F1 Grand Prix is a magnet for globetrotters who want to soak in a festival-like atmosphere abroad. Singapore is also a favourite hub of those keen to explore South-east Asia. These factors contribute to the surging demand for hotel rooms in the city during this period, leading to higher prices.”
Hotels are not the only beneficiaries, he added. “Apart from the F1 Grand Prix, visitors coming to Singapore in September this year have booked tickets to attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore, the Singapore Cable Car, and Bird Paradise. These uniquely Singaporean experiences bring a blend of nature and urban activities that appeal to travelers across the spectrum,” he remarked.
Singapore is the only South-east Asian city on the current Grand Prix calendar. The Malaysian race was last conducted in 2017.
In a sign of continuing strong demand into 2024, the Super Early Bird tickets for next year’s race have also sold out within 72 hours.
