The Singapore Grand Prix was only resurrected in 2008 after almost 30 years of being dormant. It was previously known as the Formula Libre event during the 1960s. But after Singapore’s independence in 1965, this race held at the Thomson Road circuit was renamed the Singapore Grand Prix. This phenomenon thrived for many years, attracting thousands of fans from different parts of the world.

However, the phenomenon ceased in 1974 due to collaborative issues that bombarded the leadership responsible for the Race. The fatal accidents that occurred in the 1972 and 1973 races aroused the concern of many citizens. These accidents even intensified the complaints received from many people who criticized the inconvenience caused by the closure of main roads, the diversion of transport and the heavy traffic jams during the race.

However, in 2007, the five-year contract signed by Singapore GP Pte Ltd, the Singapore Tourism Board and Bernie Ecclestone marked the return of the Singapore Grand Prix to the spotlight. The race was co-funded by the Government of Singapore, with an investment of S$90 million out of the total cost of S$150 million. The Singapore Grand Prix, Formula One’s first night race, is currently taking place in the Marina Bay area, Singapore. F1 racing cars take to the circuit route in central Singapore.

When the return of the Singapore Grand Prix was first announced in early 2007, thousands of fans and tourists expressed their excitement and enthusiasm for the event. As early as November 2007, hotel packages and hospitality suites were open for booking and immediately got full bookings. Patrick Fiat, general manager of Royal Plaza on Scotts, said the resurrection of the Race would provide a big boost for tourism in Singapore. Fiat also added that this Race was one of the best things that could happen to the country.

It would provide a new brand for Singapore and increase its position in the global market. Fiat was right in saying this because a total of around 110,000 tickets were released for the first Singapore Formula One race. With the flood of tourists, airlines and hotels were the most likely beneficiaries of this phenomenon. Ms. Ng of Pan Pacific Hotel said that this race is extremely encouraging, not only for the hotel, but also for the prospects of the hotel industry in general.

Hotels in the Marina Bay area are said to have the greatest advantage because they provide a very good view of the race from their rooms. Tourists rush to book their accommodation even a year in advance to guarantee their stay and get a good room that provides a perfect view of the race. Other hotels along the route that also provide impressive views of the races are the Ritz-Carlton Millenia, Fullerton, and Swissotel the Stamford. But even if tourists couldn’t get a room at these featured hotels or didn’t buy a ticket to the race, they can still try their luck and catch a glimpse of the race at Suntec City, the Esplanade or Padang theatres.