SINGAPORE — After being prevented from travelling to Singapore for two years due to pandemic-forced border closures, Malaysian Chin Yi Yun decided to celebrate her recent freedom to travel with a big bang: By attending the Formula One (F1) Grand Prix here later this month.
“The tight and winding Singapore street circuit is truly one of a kind and I’ve missed seeing it on the calendar for the past two years,” said the 34-year-old human resource business partner from Kuala Lumpur who used to visit the Republic yearly to meet friends and loved ones.
The race, which will be held from Sept 30 to Oct 2, had been cancelled for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Singapore's F1 race is more than just a glamorous racing spectacle; it is regarded as a marquee event that not only brings significant economic benefits to the country but also enhances its global branding.
Having missed two years of F1 action, German national Julian Buschi, 28, said that he could feel the “pent-up excitement” building up in him. Ms Valerie Khoo, who bought the Sunday Zone 4 walkabout ticket, hopes to see a lot of buzz around and outside of the racing circuit, such as sales of F1 merchandise and drivers’ meet-and-greet events outside of the track.
He declined to elaborate on the rate of increase but added that to ride on the demand, the hotel is offering a 2022 Singapore Night Race Track View Package with rates from S$2,500++ per room/per night during the race weekend. “Between Sept 30 and Oct 3, guests can challenge themselves to a test drive at one of three race simulators set up at the lobby. The driver with the fastest lap time each day will receive a prize, with all daily winners invited to complete a final race on Oct 3 where the ultimate champion will be crowned.”
Mr Kurt Wee, president of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, said that many restaurants and operators in the food and beverage sector already have a waitlist for diners, mainly due to a surge in tourist consumption demand for that period. He added that labour costs, which have already skyrocketed in recent months will be even higher for the week of F1, especially for part-timers as multiple industries compete to secure manpower.Although Mr Nasen believes this F1 will yield higher revenues for nightspots, profits are likely to be lower as a result of business owners being able to deploy their limited staff only during periods where high revenue opportunities are forecasted, instead of optimising business hours.
Agreeing, Professor Lawrence Loh, director at the Centre for Governance and Sustainability, NUS Business School, said that a successful hosting of the F1 is"the most visible signal to the world that Singapore is back in business despite the pandemic". TODAY has sent queries to Singapore GP and STB about the safe management measures and vaccination policies for participating drivers and performers.
"Singapore GP reserves the right to change the programmes, facilities, services and off-track activities on offer if required to do so to adhere to prevailing safe management measures."Circuit preparations were underway for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix on Sept 14, 2022. On its website, Singapore GP says that "all patrons attending the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2022 must be fully vaccinated".
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Big Read: Fans, businesses primed and eager for F1’s post-pandemic comeback — what’s at stake for Singapore?SINGAPORE — After being prevented from travelling to Singapore for two years due to pandemic-forced border closures, Malaysian Chin Yi Yun decided to celebrate her recent freedom to travel with a big bang: By attending the Formula One (F1) Grand Prix here later this month.
Read more »
6 insurance agents working at the same agency jailed for falsifying expense claims to evade nearly S$100,000 in taxesSINGAPORE — Six insurance agents were jailed and penalised for tax evasion on Friday (Sept 16) after they claimed false business expenses and collectively reduced their income taxes by close to S$100,000.
Read more »
Consumer group says drugmakers abuse US patent system to keep prices highBig Pharma has been filing multiple patents to block cheaper versions of their top sellers, advocates claim. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »
Pope says supplying weapons to Ukraine is morally acceptable for self defencePope Francis was speaking to reporters aboard a plane returning from a three-day trip to Kazakhstan. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »
More businesses can join in efforts to help those with dementia, caregivers: President HalimahShe said this at an event to commemorate Keppel Care Foundation's $1 million donation to Dementia Singapore. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »