F1 weekend drives 160pc surge in accommodation searches for KL and Sepang

The upcoming Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit has sparked a massive 160% surge in accommodation searches across Kuala Lumpur and Sepang, according to data from Airbnb. This dramatic increase, which extends beyond the race weekend, highlights how major sporting events continue to serve as key drivers of tourism and economic activity.

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb's country head for India and South-east Asia, noted that travel is increasingly shaped by experiences, with people planning their trips around concerts, festivals, and sporting events. The surge in searches was primarily driven by international travelers from Singapore, China, Indonesia, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, accounting for approximately 75% of total searches.

Kuala Lumpur accounted for more than 60% of searches, followed by Sepang and surrounding areas like Petaling and Hulu Langat. The data also revealed that about 80% of searches extended beyond the race weekend, with the median intended length of stay reaching nearly six nights, and trips involving two guests accounting for more than one-third of searches.

Brief written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.