F1 Indian Grand Prix - A booster to Tourism in India

Sports tourism might represent a niche market, yet it is dynamically developing. Why is it so popular? How can communities utilize its sports tourism potential? So What Is Sports Tourism? Sports Tourism is defined as a specific travel outside of the usual environment for either passive or active involvement in competitive sport where sport is the prime motivational reason for travel and the touristic or leisure element may act to reinforce the overall experience. Another definition worth noting explains sport tourism as a combination of sports activities and travel.

F1 Indian Grand Prix - A booster to Tourism in India

Let’s move to top gear to see what F1 racing as to offer for India as Sports Tourism! As Inaugural Indian Formula One Grand Prix was a big hit last year. The tourism industry expects the inaugural Indian Formula One (F1) Grand Prix would bring the world to New Delhi this October too. It hopes the event would be able to attract more crowds from around the world and within India.

Motor racing has been a sport which has been generating interest of the entire world for quite some time. Buddh racing circuit is the first racing circuit in India which is specially made for Formula 1 racing. Why is it that even India could not distance itself from this hugely popular sport and today is the proud event hosts and organizers? Well, there are many gains from hosting this event. These benefits are mostly economic in nature as the event will be a big boost to the country’s economy. Let us see how.

India has been keen to organize the formula 1 racing event as it will put itself directly under the international media glare. Scribes from all over the world would come in droves to capture every second of the event. Players as well as their girlfriends and wives too would generate a lot of interest. This all would put the Indian subcontinent and its hospitality onto the global map.

Formula One - One of the world's most glamorous sports is on the doorstep of India's untapped world and is ready to boost the tourism and hotel industry in India. Already Delhi circuit has been put up in the F1 calendar events and with other states announcing new F1 circuits to be developed we expect a huge fan following for F1 in India and good growth in tourism revenue.  

Owing to the heavy interest in grand prix and motor racing, people would flock to the country to witness the event. This would surely promote the tourism of India. The F1 racing event is a perfect occasion to showcase the best in terms of Indian cuisine, culture, artifacts and traditions. Though India is already on the global map due to the events in the past and technological advancements, but the event such as F1 racing will put the country under the global spotlight. The hotels and hospitality industry in general will greatly benefit from this entire event. 

Indian Tourism Industry - one of the largest services Industry with a contribution of 6.23% to the GDP of India will add more than 100,000 domestic and foreign tourists. Any F1 event attracts an average of up to 1-2 lakh people to watch the game live at the circuit. And such F1event can definitely draw up to 1-2 lakh foreign tourists during the racing period. The racing circuit and all the action will be a treat for the fanatics to watch. People will spend a huge amount in trying to make sure that they are present to witness all the action in front of their eyes. 

Bookings for this year’s F1 event in India, through travel agents and on-line websites have already registered an increase of around 30% as of now. Hotel bookings have also shown a spike of 20-30%. Industry sources said that the budget properties (three and four star) are already sold out while the five start hotels have some room inventory.

India received 4-5 lakh foreign tourists in October 2010 and 2011, six per cent more than a year ago. With the tourist season starting from October, the travel industry is hoping for further buzz around the Grand Prix so that tourist numbers go up significantly. Hope we encash this opportunity to boost tourism industry and development of the country.