F1 Race Boosts Singapore's Hotel Industry

The Singapore Grand Prix was only resurrected in2007, hotel packages and hospitality suites were
2008 after almost 30 years of being at rest. Itopened for booking and immediately got full
was formerly referred to as the Formula Librereservations. Patrick Fiat, general manager of
event during the 1960s. But upon Singapore'sRoyal Plaza on Scotts, said that the resurrection
independence in 1965, this race held at theof the Race would provide a big boost for
Thomson Road circuit was renamed as thetourism in Singapore. Fiat also added that this
Singapore Grand Prix. This phenomenon thrivedRace was one of the best things that could
for many years, attracting thousands of fanshappen for the country.
from different parts of the globe.It would provide a new branding for Singapore
However, the phenomenon ceased in 1974and would increase its stance in the global market.
because of collaborative issues that bombardedFiat was correct in saying this because a total of
the management responsible for the Race. Thearound 110,000 tickets were released for
fatal accidents that occurred in the 1972 and 1973Singapore's first Formula One race. With the
races raised concerns from many citizens. Theseflooding of tourists, airline companies and hotels
accidents even intensified the complaints receivedwere the most likely beneficiaries of this
from many people criticizing the inconveniencephenomenon. Ms. Ng of Pan Pacific Hotel said that
caused by closing main roads, reroutingthis race is extremely encouraging, not only for
transportation and heavy traffic jams for thethe hotel but for the outlook of the hospitality
duration of the race.industry as a whole.
However in 2007, the five-year deal signed byHotels in the Marina Bay area are said to have the
Singapore GP Pte Ltd, the Singapore Tourismmost advantage because they provide a very
Board and Bernie Ecclestone marked thegood view of the race from their rooms. Tourists
Singapore Grand Prix's return to the limelight. Theare quick to book their accommodations even as
race was co-funded by the Government offar as a year before to ensure their stay and get
Singapore, investing S$90million out of the S$150a good room that would provide a perfect view
million total cost. Singapore Grand Prix, Formulaof the race. Other hotels along the route which
One's first night race, is currently held in thealso provide commanding views of the races are
Marina Bay area, Singapore. F1 race cars take theRitz-Carlton Millenia, the Fullerton and Swissotel the
circuit route in Singapore's downtown area.Stamford. But even If tourists failed to acquire a
When the comeback of the Singapore Grand Prixroom from these noted hotels or failed to buy a
was first announced in early 2007, thousands ofticket to the race, they can still try their luck and
fans and tourists expressed their excitement andsteal glimpses of the race in Suntec City, the
enthusiasm for the event. As early as NovemberEsplanade theatres or Padang.