Kuala Lampur:Kuala Lumpur: Travel interest in Malaysia has surged by over 160% 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 significantly rising for the October 2 to 4 race weekend.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb's country head for India and Southeast Asia, noted that major sporting events are significant drivers of tourism and economic activity. He emphasized that travel is now more influenced by experiences, with people planning around events such as concerts, festivals, and sporting occasions, which in turn create new opportunities for destinations.

Data from Airbnb indicated that this notable increase in interest is primarily driven by international travelers from countries including Singapore, China, Indonesia, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, who together accounted for approximately 75% of total searches.

Kuala Lumpur remains the primary base for visitors, accounting for over 60% of searches, followed by Sepang at nearly 25%, with Petaling and Hulu Langat also seeing interest. Travelers are seeking accommodations near the Sepang circuit and the airport, but Kuala Lumpur is still the central hub for guests.

The data also revealed that about 80% of searches are for stays extending beyond the race weekend, with the typical intended length of stay nearing six nights. Additionally, trips involving two guests made up more than one-third of searches, while those involving two or more guests comprised nearly 70% of bookings.