SUDIPTA DEV – Mumbai
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| Dato Razlan Razali |
Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has been an important tourist draw in Malaysia for almost 15 years. While Tourism Malaysia promotes F1 primarily in the ASEAN countries, which constitutes a significant section of spectators, now India is also being targeted in response to the increase in arrivals from India in the last few years. Dato Razlan Razali, CEO, Sepang International Circuit, was in India recently to promote F1 and create awareness of SIC as a MICE and events venue. “In the last few years we have seen a lot of interest from India. From less than 400 Indian visitors in 2010 to less than 1000 in 2011, last year we received 4000 spectators. India is an emerging market for us. Our tickets are one of the cheapest for F1 Grand Prix in the world,” said Razali.
Pointing out that there is more to SIC than F1 and MotoGP, Razali informed that SIC is targeting the MICE segment, event organisers and MNCs with a large employee base, Razali said, “What we are offering is Sepang as a venue. We use the same venue that F1 utilises, including the media facility, Paddock Club (for annual dinners, seminars, etc), five-star deluxe catering. The total capacity is 2000 pax. Even our media centre can be used for seminars, presentations, workshops.” Except for accommodation (hotel), SIC can be an interesting location for events ranging from dealer meets to weddings.
The special experiences include Lotus Driving Experience, that is driving a few laps in a Lotus, Porsche or go cart, on the F1 track. There is also the ATV circuit tour. “Our biggest corporate event two years ago was headed by the India office of Shell Global comprising 1000 delegates. We had to organise for 25 Ferraris. They had brought Ferrari test drivers,” informed Razali. Last December a MICE group of 600 delegates from India were in SIC for another unique team experience.
