JOHOR BARU: Johor is expecting spillover effects from the presence of foreign travellers at the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix, which is making its return after a two-year pandemic-induced break.
Johor Tourism director Suhairi Hashim said the state expects to benefit from the major international racing event across the Causeway, which will take place from Sept 30 to Oct 2.
“It is the norm that whenever Singapore plays host to the Formula One race, there will be an influx of foreign travellers into Johor.
“We are expecting at least 20% of the Formula One fans attending the race in Singapore to come to Johor either before or after the grand prix,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Suhairi said the state has plenty to offer foreign visitors, citing tourist attractions such as Desaru and the Johor Premium Outlet.
There are also affordable hotel rates around the city area here, he added.
Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association Johor Chapter chairman Jarod Chia said the state could attract race fans who would be attending the event in Singapore.
“I believe that most of the Formula One fans will be wanting to explore Johor. We have many hotels and cheap food.
“They can also shop in Johor Baru or other nearby districts when they cross the Causeway,” he said, adding that Johor provides affordable holiday options, especially to those travelling on a limited budget.
Chia said budget hotels here had recorded a good occupancy rate since the border with Singapore reopened in April.
“We could see a lot of travellers coming from Singapore staying more than one night between May and June as there had been long weekends and public holidays during that period,” he said.
On Sunday, Singapore media reported that this year’s Singapore Formula One Grand Prix is set to see its highest attendance since the race began in 2008, with ticket sales surpassing those in 2019.
The race was last staged in 2019 and drew a three-day total of 268,000 spectators, the second highest after the 300,000 who attended the inaugural race in 2008.
Tickets for the race day on Oct 2 have been mostly sold out, including those for the pit grandstand, which overlooks the circuit’s starting grid, costing S$988 (RM3,169) each.