SEARCH volume for stays across Kuala Lumpur and Sepang has spiked dramatically ahead of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, scheduled for 2 to 4 October, according to data released by Airbnb.
Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for India and Southeast Asia, stated that the sharp rise in searches underscores the pivotal role high-profile sporting spectacles play in accelerating local economic activity and destination tourism.
“Travel today is increasingly experience-driven,” Bajaj said in a statement. “People are planning trips around concerts, festivals, and sporting events that bring communities together. Experiences like these unlock new opportunities for destinations to welcome visitors.”
He noted that the platform’s diverse listing portfolio gives visitors the flexibility to tailor their itineraries, whether opting for a concise race-weekend break or a longer holiday to discover local cultural sites away from the circuit.
Overseas visitors accounted for approximately 75 per cent of overall search interest, led by travellers from Singapore, China, Indonesia, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Kuala Lumpur dominated venue preferences, collecting more than 60 per cent of queries, followed by Sepang with nearly 25 per cent, alongside Petaling and Hulu Langat. Despite Sepang providing immediate proximity to the track and Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the capital city remains the preferred base for incoming spectators.
Search metrics show nearly 80 per cent of queries were tailored specifically around the race weekend, with median planned stays stretching to nearly six nights. Travelling pairs represented the largest single demographic, generating over a third of all searches, while party sizes of two or more guests comprised roughly 70 per cent of all booking enquiries. - October 1, 2026
