Johor Hotels Prepare for Formula One Visitor Surge

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 – Hotels in Johor Bahru are preparing for a potential increase in visitors ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, as Formula One fans look for more affordable accommodation outside the republic.

Although race-related bookings have not yet increased significantly, industry representatives expect demand to strengthen closer to the event, which is scheduled to take place from October 9 to 11. Johor Bahru’s proximity to Singapore and its generally lower hotel rates are expected to make the city an attractive alternative for international spectators.

Johor Tourist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong said the state’s tourism industry could benefit from a rare back-to-back Formula One racing period involving events in Malaysia and Singapore.

The racing schedule may encourage international visitors to use Johor Bahru as an accommodation base while travelling across the border to attend the Singapore Grand Prix.

Leong said several visitors from London and Australia had already indicated plans to stay in Johor Bahru while attending the Singapore race, as they continued waiting for tickets for the Formula One event in Sepang from October 2 to 4.

He added that major international sporting events traditionally attract large visitor numbers, with Formula One commanding a particularly strong following worldwide.

A successful race in Sepang could also strengthen the case for restoring the Malaysian Grand Prix as a regular fixture on the Formula One calendar, particularly if it delivers strong international tourist arrivals and wider economic benefits.

Johor could gain not only from increased hotel occupancy but also from visitor spending on food, shopping, transportation and local attractions throughout the race period.

Tourism operators may also use the two consecutive race weekends to promote Johor as a practical and affordable base for travellers attending events in Singapore.

The state’s location immediately north of the republic gives visitors access to cross-border transport while allowing them to avoid Singapore’s higher accommodation costs during major international events.

Malaysian Association of Hotels Johor chapter chairman Ivan Teoh said it remained too early to observe a substantial increase in Johor Bahru hotel bookings directly linked to the Singapore Grand Prix.

He explained that Formula One spectators usually prefer staying in Singapore, but the sharp rise in hotel prices during the race often pushes some travellers to search for alternatives in Johor Bahru.

Hotels in the city are therefore expected to receive more enquiries as spectators finalise their travel and accommodation plans.

Johor Bahru’s comparatively affordable room rates, short distance from Singapore and available cross-border transport services could make it increasingly appealing to cost-conscious Formula One fans.

The anticipated race-related demand follows another busy period for the city’s hospitality industry.

Hotels were already recording strong bookings for Singapore’s National Day weekend in August, which coincided with a friendly football match between Johor Darul Ta’zim and Chelsea on August 9.

The combination of sporting events, public celebrations and cross-border tourism is expected to support higher hotel occupancy and benefit businesses across Johor Bahru.

Restaurants, shopping centres, transport operators, tour providers and local attractions may all experience increased activity as more visitors enter the state.

Industry representatives expect Formula One-related enquiries to rise as the October races approach and international fans complete their travel arrangements.

The period could provide Johor with an opportunity to strengthen its profile as an alternative accommodation and tourism destination for major events held in neighbouring Singapore.