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

Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team drivers Kimi Antonelli (left) and George Russell (right) share the spotlight during the Mercedes-AMG F1 Party at Raintree Plaza, The Exchange TRX in Kuala Lumpur September 30, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 01 Oct 2026 8:52 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 — Malaysia is seeing a surge in travel interest ahead of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, with accommodation searches for Kuala Lumpur, Sepang and surrounding areas jumping more than 160 per cent year-on-year for the October 2 to 4 race weekend. 

Airbnb country head for India and South-east Asia Amanpreet Bajaj said the surge highlights how major sporting events continue to serve as key drivers of tourism and economic activity.

“Travel today is increasingly shaped by experiences. People are making plans around concerts, festivals, sporting events and other occasions that bring communities together, and these experiences can create new opportunities for destinations to welcome visitors.

“From Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant city experiences to local attractions, Airbnb gives travellers the flexibility to plan a stay around the experiences, whether that means making a weekend of it or exploring more of the destination beyond the events,” he said in a statement yesterday.

According to data released by the platform, the sharp increase was driven mainly by international travellers from Singapore, China, Indonesia, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, who accounted for approximately 75 per cent of total searches.

Within the surrounding areas, Kuala Lumpur accounted for more than 60 per cent of searches, followed by Sepang at nearly 25 per cent, alongside Petaling and Hulu Langat.

The statement noted that while travellers are looking towards Sepang and neighbouring areas for accommodation closer to the circuit and the airport, Kuala Lumpur remains the primary base for visitors.

The data also revealed that about 80 per cent of searches extended beyond the race weekend, with the median intended length of stay reaching nearly six nights.

Trips involving two guests accounted for more than one-third of searches, while bookings involving two or more guests made up close to seven in 10. — Bernama