By The Straits Times | Created at 2026-08-05 02:51:50 | Updated at 2026-08-05 04:21:09
1 hour ago
JOHOR BAHRU – Hotels in Johor Bahru are gearing up for a potential influx of Formula One fans as the Singapore Grand Prix approaches, banking on travellers seeking cheaper accommodation outside the Republic amid soaring hotel rates.
While bookings linked to the race taking place from Oct 9 to 11 have yet to surge, hoteliers expect demand to build closer to the event, with the city’s proximity to Singapore making it an increasingly attractive alternative.
Johor Tourist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong said the state’s tourism sector is expected to receive a boost from a rare back-to-back Formula One racing window in Malaysia and Singapore, which could encourage international visitors to stay in Johor Bahru while travelling to Singapore for the race.
“In fact, a few of my friends from London and Australia have told me they will be staying in Johor Bahru to watch the Singapore Grand Prix as they are still waiting for tickets for the race in Sepang,” he said, referring to the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from Oct 2 to 4.
He added that major international events had traditionally attracted large numbers of visitors, with Formula One having a particularly strong global following.
“If the race in Sepang becomes successful in terms of tourist arrivals into the country, it may help change the government’s mind about putting the Malaysian Grand Prix back on the Formula One calendar,” he said.
Johor could therefore benefit not only from increased accommodation demand but also from tourist spending on food, shopping, transportation and other attractions during the period, Leong added.
He said the back-to-back races could also provide an opportunity for Johor tourism players to promote the state as an alternative base for visitors attending the Singapore event.
Malaysian Association of Hotels Johor chapter chairman Ivan Teoh said it was still too early to see significant bookings in Johor Bahru hotels specifically linked to the Singapore Grand Prix.
“Usually, Formula One fans will try to stay in Singapore. But whenever Formula One is held there, hotel rates would skyrocket, and this would force fans to look at hotels in Johor Bahru, as it is much more affordable,” he said.
Teoh said hotels in Johor Bahru could therefore see more enquiries and bookings as the Singapore race draws closer, particularly from visitors looking for more affordable accommodation outside the republic.
He said the proximity between Johor Bahru and Singapore, coupled with the availability of cross-border transport, could make the state an attractive option for Formula One fans seeking to reduce their accommodation costs.
However, Teoh said hotels in Johor Bahru were already seeing strong demand for another major weekend in August, with many rooms booked for Singapore’s National Day celebrations.
“The long weekend will also coincide with Johor Darul Ta’zim’s friendly football match against Chelsea on Aug 9, further contributing to accommodation demand in the city,” he added.
Teoh said hotels operating around here expect enquiries and bookings related to the Singapore Grand Prix to pick up soon as fans finalise their travel plans. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
