SINGAPORE:

As the electric atmosphere of the Singapore Grand Prix (September 20-22) approaches, businesses both near and far from the Marina Bay Street Circuit are bracing for a busy weekend. Hotels in the area expect revenues to surpass last year's figures, but many establishments on the periphery of the main event are preparing for the challenges posed by the Formula 1 (F1) circus.

Some businesses, like the Museum of Ice Cream at Dempsey Hill, have experienced a notable drop in visitor numbers—reportedly as high as 30%—during past race weekends. Colin Chung, the museum's general manager, explained that the F1 event tends to dominate the weekend's activities, leaving locals and tourists alike with little inclination to explore beyond their scheduled plans.

"F1 is this monolithic event that pulls everyone's attention. People often lack the time or motivation to venture out, especially with the associated road closures discouraging locals from visiting the central region," Chung remarked. "This results in a quieter weekend for us."

Creative Solutions and Race-themed Attractions

In a bid to reverse this trend, the Museum of Ice Cream is partnering with the Singapore Tourism Board to offer enticing promotions for F1 ticket holders, including a one-for-one entry deal with the purchase of an Anytime Ticket. This fast-pass option allows visitors immediate access without advance bookings, along with the perk of unlimited ice cream. Chung hopes that this strategy will help maintain their usual visitor numbers, which average between 500 to 700 on a typical weekend.

Other local businesses are also hopping on the F1 bandwagon. Gallery26 Dempsey is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the history of the Singapore Grand Prix, showcasing iconic Ferrari F1 cars, including models driven by 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen. Meanwhile, at Mr Bucket Chocolaterie, guests can indulge in a chocolate workshop where they can create and later enjoy their own chocolate race car.

These attractions are complemented by a host of race-themed activities planned in other areas, including the Sports Hub, Orchard Road, and the vibrant district of Kampong Gelam, ensuring that there are options available for everyone not attending the main event.

Hotels Anticipate Increased Demand

In the thick of race preparations, hotels positioned at prime locations along the circuit, such as Fairmont Singapore and Swissotel The Stamford, report an anticipated 15% boost in bookings this year. Theo Ocks, the general manager of these hotels, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "The Singapore Grand Prix captivates fans and drivers alike, bringing a surge of visitors. We expect this year to be one of our most successful F1 events."

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and The Fullerton Bay Hotel indicated that their trackside-view rooms are fully booked, reflecting the event's strong pull on guests. In a sign of growing interest, travel website Trip.com reported a staggering 90% increase in flight bookings and a 60% rise in hotel reservations for the Grand Prix weekend.

As road closures were set to commence from September 18, business owners are hopeful that the sharp increase in tourist activity will offset any downturn experienced during the F1's dominant tourism draw. The coming days will test the ingenuity of Singapore's businesses as they strive to capture the attention of both tourists and locals amid the spectacle of the Grand Prix. Stay tuned for how these strategies unfold as the lights dim and the engines roar in the city-state!