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TRAVEL bookings for the 2012 Formula One (F1) Singapore Grand Prix are 3 per cent lower year on year, possibly due to the global economic climate, though a last-minute surge is still possible, a report said.

A study by travel software group Amadeus and research consultancy Forward Data SL shows that the majority of visitor arrivals into Singapore for the race are expected to be from Australia (23 per cent of bookings) - as in previous years - followed by the UK (12 per cent).

Based on global air reservations as at Sept 1, the United States (8 per cent) currently is the third biggest source market for tourists coming into town for the race.

In particular, there is a growth of 34 per cent in bookings from New Zealand travellers during the race period, while India - which hosted its first F1 race last year - could see fewer tourists coming here for the Grand Prix compared to the year before.

This year, the greatest inflow of travellers is set to take place today, one day ahead of the practice session, suggesting visitors are looking to make a long weekend out of the trip.

Meanwhile, the traveller profile during the event shows that business travellers represent a smaller share of total arrivals than usual, with more leisure travellers this time around, Forward Data noted.

"Our analysis highlights the significant opportunity for travel providers and businesses in Singapore over the F1 period, particularly between 20th and 23rd September, when hotels are likely to see a surge in bookings," said David Brett, president of Amadeus (Asia Pacific).

"In particular, the research highlights that the window for air bookings to Singapore is not yet closed, with many more last-minute flight, and subsequently hotel, bookings still expected in the run up to the event."

Separately, race promoter Singapore GP (SGP) has started selling tickets for the 2013 Singapore Grand Prix earlier than usual, releasing passes for selected grandstands yesterday.

According to the SGP website, three-day tickets for the Bay ($228), Padang ($398) and Pit ($888) grandstands are available for the 2013 Singapore Grand Prix as part of a "super early bird" phase until Sept 30.

The early bird phase begins on Jan 21 next year, while tickets go on sale at regular prices from May 1, 2013.

A Bay grandstand ticket, for instance, would go up in price to $268 from Jan 21 and $298 from May 1, 2013, onwards.

BT understands the earlier release this year is to capitalise on interest from spectators at the 2012 race itself.

The 2013 F1 Singapore Grand Prix is slated to take place on Sept 20-22 next year, subject to confirmation from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

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Slightly fewer tourists expected at F1 this time

By Nisha Ramchandani , The Business Times | Sat, Sep 22 2012

Travel bookings for the 2012 F1 Singapore Grand Prix are 3 per cent lower year on year.

Slightly fewer tourists expected at F1 this time

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