Sales of the Etihad Holidays Abu Dhabi Grand Prix package, which includes a bundle of flights, accommodation and race passes, is up 15 per cent compared to this time last year.

Figures collected so far reveal that sales are on track to match the 2016 ratio of 65 per cent of race-goers being non-UAE residents, a hallmark of the international appeal of the region’s biggest and best sporting and entertainment event. Demand has been especially strong in key markets such as the US and Western Europe.

Last year, organisers reveal that the average overseas visitor spend was Dh7,314 ($1,991) during their stay, with 82 per cent of travellers staying 5 nights in Abu Dhabi, and 33 per cent of those choosing to fly Etihad Airways. Sales data so far reveals that the Circuit is on track to improve on this in 2017 as new value-add innovations such as GP Parks pass drive interest and global sales.

The ‘GP Parks Pass’ is a three-day package that allows unlimited access to Yas Island Parks – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld – on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This special three-day ticket package starts from Dh1,120 (for Abu Dhabi Hill) and is only be available for purchase until May 31 from all ticket outlets.

Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, said: “We are very satisfied with sales numbers in phase one of our ticket release. The trend is testament to attractive packages we have put together in partnership with our title sponsor and partner, Etihad Airways.

“The figures also point to strong customer satisfaction levels from those attending past races. Visitors are returning for more of the hugely varied entertainment on offer, while word is spreading about the quality of the event. We are also helped by such a fantastic start to the season, which promises a hard-fought championship all the way to Abu Dhabi.”

The overall Abu Dhabi Grand Prix experience is highly rated by both local, regional and international travellers, with surveys conducted on site revealing that event satisfaction with the 2016 race weekend was 90 per cent – way above the Nielsen Sports global benchmark of 83 per cent for other comparable, large-scale events around the world.

Tickets for the 2017 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, running from November 24 to 26, went on sale on March 27, with those booking before May 31 eligible for a massive 30 per cent Early Bird discount. Corporate clients are also rewarded with discounts for early booking of the Circuit’s wide range of hospitality solutions available during race weekend.

Sales have been boosted by a combination of attractive ticket packages and heightened interest in the sport after a pulsating start to a F1 season.

Storming performances by Ferrari to take the chequered flag in two of the first three races has raised expectations of a close-fought championship battle between the Prancing Horse and the once dominant Mercedes-AMG.

There is added excitement after a series of new rule changes allowed for fatter tyres and wider bodywork – making the cars faster and more demanding to drive and rewarding spectators with more engaging on-track action.  – TradeArabia News Service