KUALA LUMPUR — 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.