Sports | Tuesday 9 May, 2017 5:33 am |

Strong ticket demand from international markets is driving early sales for the 2017 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX.

Yas Marina Circuit has revealed that international packages for the season-ending race are particularly sought after compared to 2016. Sales of the Etihad Holidays Abu Dhabi Grand Prix package, which includes a bundle of flights, accommodation and race passes, are 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 United States and Western Europe.

Last year, organisers reveal that the average overseas visitor spend was AED7,314 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 AED1,120 (for Abu Dhabi Hill) and is only be available for purchase until 31stMay 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 travelers, 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 went on sale on 27thMarch, with those booking before 31stMay 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.  

With the 2017 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX on November 24-26 confirmed as the final race of the 2017 season, fans will not want to miss out on the climax to what promises to be the most exciting championship battle in years.

Tickets are available online at www.yasmarinacircuit.com and through the Yas Marina Circuit Call Centre (800 927) or +971 (0) 2 659 9800, as well as through all Etihad Shops and Virgin Megastores, Yas Central Express stand at Yas Mall, and through the YasHUB smartphone app and its Facebook shop: www.facebook.com/yasmarinacircuit