Abu Dhabi F1takes early lead Corporate hospitality packages receive unprecendented interest
Yas Marina Circuit is expected to host another sell-out crowd of over 50,000 spectators at this year’s Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix scheduled from November 2 to 4, with the number of international visitors and corporate guests seen rising from 2011 levels. Steven Umfreville, F1
Motorsport Director at the Yas Marina Circuit, said the event’s partnership with Etihad Airways and the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) has allowed them to offer F1 fans across the world all-inclu- sive flight, hotel and race week- end packages, which also proved attractive to corporate groups. “There has been a 35 percent
increase in international ticket sales this year. In terms of over- all corporate sales, while we are unable to give specifics related to percentage increase, we have wit- nessed a significant growth in this segment as the Al Jood Category 1 tickets and the Paddock Club Suites are both currently sold out, which is earlier than in previous years,” he told meetme. Accounting for approx-
imately 2,500 tickets, Al Jood Category 1 tickets, which offer access to both the Al Jood and Al Dhiyafa areas, remain the most popular especially among Muslim guests, as these provide access to air-conditioned lounges with food and a non-alcoholic
Al Jood area
the unique opportunity the F1 weekend provides in terms of building business relationships. We also receive strong support from groups of F1 fans locally and internationally who simply want to enjoy the F1 weekend with fam- ily and friends,” he said. A highly anticipated sport-
ing event, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will mark its fourth season this year with an expanded pro- gramme of entertainment both on and off the track. Partnering with Flash
beverage service, balcony seating, complimentary parking and after- race concert access. “In addition to an increase in
overseas groups, we have also seen unprecedented interest from local businesses and organisations. Unlike most Grand Prix races around the world, our offering for groups within this field is both extensive and flexible. We have many price points to suit a range of budgets and requirements for the F1 weekend,” Umfreville said. Europe continues to be the
strongest international market for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix despite
the current economic environ- ment in the Eurozone. Australia is also becoming a promising market for Yas Marina Circuit and this has been attributed to the addition of the Australian V8 Supercar sup- port race to this year’s event. Aside from the obvious adre- naline-pumping spectacle, the Grand Prix also serves as a signifi- cant venue for companies who wish to host existing and prospec- tive clients, as well as reward val- ued staff members. “Interest continues to grow among corporate groups as more and more businesses recognise
Entertainment, Yas Marina Circuit will host a line-up of international artists for the offi- cial Yasalam after-race concerts. F1 spectators this year will be entertained by Eminem, Kylie Minogue and Canadian rock band Nickelback. In the past, the post-race musical showdown featured international celebri- ties such as Aerosmith, Paul McCartney, Linkin Park and Britney Spears.
CORPORATE HOSPITALITY Companies looking for a private area to entertain guests can choose from a selection of Marina Grandstand boxes with a private balcony, full food and beverage offerings, a pre-race three- course meal and entry to Thursday’s pit lane walk. The boxes can be ‘bespoke’ branded as well. Other options include the Formula One Paddock Club as well as a range of private five-star suites, complete with private balconies at the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hotel.
Sonesta launches Doha boutique hotel Sonesta Hotel Doha, lobby
US-based Sonesta International Hotels will open its first five- star boutique property in Qatar in the fourth quarter of 2012. The 260-room Sonesta Hotel Doha will be managed and operated by Qatari firm Al Madaen Group. Eyeing both leisure and business travellers, the
QAR400 million (US$110 mil- lion) hotel will be located in Doha’s bustling commercial centre in the Al Sadd district, home to some of the city’s major business and retail establishments. Sonesta’s entry into Doha will provide an addi- tional boost to Qatar’s ever- expanding hospitality market.
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