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

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 — Accommodation searches for Kuala Lumpur, Sepang and surrounding areas in Malaysia have surged more than 160 per cent year-on-year for the October 2 to 4 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, according to Airbnb data. Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb's country head for India and South-east Asia, said the surge demonstrates how major sporting events drive tourism and economic activity.

People are increasingly planning around experiences like concerts, festivals, and sporting events, and Airbnb offers flexibility for travellers to incorporate these events into their trips. Approximately 75 per cent of searches were from international travellers, primarily from Singapore, China, Indonesia, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Kuala Lumpur accounted for over 60 per cent of searches, followed by Sepang and Petaling and Hulu Langat. While travellers are looking for accommodation near the circuit and airport, Kuala Lumpur remains the primary base for visitors. About 80 per cent of searches extended beyond the race weekend, with a median intended stay of nearly six nights. Three-quarters of searches involved two or more guests.