Hoteliers hail F1 as "spectacular", "exhilarating", "phenomenal"

Renault's Fernando Alonso may have been the winner of the world's first night Formula One™ race but the real winner was Singapore, according to hoteliers interviewed by P@SSPORT.

With praise coming from all quarters from all corners of the world, it was as clear as the night lights that shone on the street circuit that the eagerly-anticipated Formula One™ race in Singapore late last month was an astounding success.

Formula One™'s founder Bernie Ecclestone called Singapore the "jewel in the crown of F1". Newspapers around the world hailed it as a stunning success. London's Sunday Times called Singapore a "world-class venue".

"All of the senses are heightened and the atmosphere...was electrifying," wrote columnist and former race driver Martin Brundle in the paper.

More than 100,000 spectators, half of them tourists, watched the race live while a worldwide audience of millions saw a lit-up Singapore skyline with all its architectural icons on proud display.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who viewed it on television the first two nights, said he was "watching the skyline, to see whether the skyline shows up and we Singapore showing off its best.

"And I think that it's a city we can be proud of, and this is a valuable buzz, publicity for us around the world, which will benefit us in many ways."

Singapore 's hoteliers couldn't agree more. All rumblings that rooms would not fill up and business would not be as good as expected evaporated as soon as the first roar of the Formula One™ cars were heard in downtown Singapore. What was more important was what the event had done for the image of Singapore not only as a destination but as a nation, said hoteliers interviewed.

Mr Ian Wilson, General Manager of The Fairmont Hotel, called the race weekend "spectacular".

"For a first time event, Singapore did a superlative job and I think that the race will fundamentally change how races are run. In speaking with people in the Paddock, I had several remarks that it was the best F1 event in five or six years, and I have been receiving e-mails from friends around the world telling me about how positive the press has been on the event.

"This event can only enhance the image of Singapore. The country gains great cachet due to the luxury nature of the event and because the event was executed so well.  With all of the accolades and the massive television audience, I really feel the event will increase awareness of Singapore and generate demand to visit the city state."

Ms Michelle Wan, Public Relations Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, called it " a phenomenal experience, from the thrilling sporting moments to the glamour of the parties and events that are associated with the race. For Singapore, it was certainly one singular event when all eyes were on the city.

"It has been a showcase of Singapore's ability to pull off another world-class event with aplomb, given the extent of transformation that had taken place to stage Formula One™ 's historical night race. This is a milestone that every Singaporean can be proud of."

Mr Aiden McAuley, General Manager of Swissotel The Stamford, whose hotel commanded a bird's eye view of the race circuit, called the race "exhilarating, with all the right twists and turns to keep us on the edge".

"To watch the cars speeding past at close to 300km/h against the beautifully lit skyline just created such a buzz in the city's atmosphere," he said.

He said the event had truly put Singapore on the world map. "By bringing in and creating the world's first Formula One™ night racetrack, we have shown to the world as a nation, that we are just as exciting, hip and original, as we are safe, efficient and professional. Another magnificent first, showcasing Singapore around the world as a truly world-class city."

At The Fullerton, General Manager Mr Louis Sailer said the race was a "thrilling mix of sights and sounds, showcasing the city of Singapore at its glittering best. Historical landmarks like City Hall and The Fullerton Hotel were prominently featured along the circuit, marking the rich heritage of this country."

He said the event "reinforced Singapore's reputation for efficiency and shed new light on its beauty. Certainly, we have produced an excellent report card for potential investors, proving that Singapore has what it takes to execute an event of this scale and nature."

All three hotels which are on the circuit had no cause for complaint when it came to business over the race weekend.

Mr Sailer said the Fullerton was booked to capacity for the weekend and saw a substantial increase in F&B revenues. "Our hotel's strategic location - next to the circuit and at the "Fullerton hairpin" - along with the views from some of our rooms, the hotel roof top and One Fullerton - definitely contributed to the fully booked situation and increase in F&B patronage."

Ms Wan said the Ritz-Carlton was fully sold out over all five days. "The Chihuly Lounge revenue increased tremendously as a mobile bar serving a selection of drinks revved up the celebratory mood. Our guests were also able to watch the races "live" every evening on a wide-screen television located outside the Lounge, while our Vintage Champagne Sunday Brunch in Greenhouse was sold out to full capacity."

Mr McAuley said Swissotel The Stamford averaged 95% over the weekend and all its track-facing rooms were booked out. "Our F&B outlets located within Equinox Complex, like Equinox Restaurant and New Asia saw some magnificent events and after-race parties each night with many of the movers and shakers involved in F1 including some of the drivers."

While Mr Wilson said there were a large number of no-shows "so we did not run completely full", he added, "I can only say I was happy with the way things went. From a food and beverage perspective, I would say our results were mixed. Some of our outlets did very well with a high-end, free-spending crowd. However, others which cater more to locals were quieter as I feel some avoided the downtown core."

On lessons learnt for next year, Mr Wilson said, I think every hotel will have a slightly different philosophy next year. I expect stay restrictions to be less severe. However, we saw massive last minute demand for the race, and with the incredibly positive press around the world, I would only expect an increase in for next year's event.  Thus, I don't think you will see a moderation in prices at least in hotels with a prime location."

Observed Ms Wan, " The duration of the road closures can certainly be improved to facilitate the access and convenience not only for the stakeholders involved, but also for the arriving guests, so as to offer them a seamless experience during their stay. As mentioned, our hotel's occupancy was 100% in the past five days and we have already received requests for reservations in 2009."

Added Mr Sailer, "We learnt that many guests who were here for Formula One™ did not arrive in Singapore till two days before the race, and some even checked in only on Saturday. This is a normal trend for Formula One™visitors and thus the 30% government levy should be shortened to three days instead of five."

Commented Mr McAuley, "While it was a huge boost for the tourism industry, many local people may have chosen to avoid the Marina Bay area rather than to be a part of it, and I think it would be great to get more Singaporeans to participate in the Formula One™ season in the city.

"This would be good both for the hotel and for the industry, as it would add even more local flavour and buzz to the whole event."