MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
EMPOWERING SPORTS TOURISM IN MALAYSIA
SELANGOR, 3 NOVEMBER 2024 – As part of the preparations for the Visit Selangor Year 2025, Tourism Selangor has formed a strategic partnership with the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit (PETRONAS SIC) for the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia 2024 (MotoGP™ Malaysia), held from 1st to 3rd of November 2024. This high profile collaboration is a cornerstone of Selangor’s efforts to position itself as a top sports tourism destination, supporting the state’s goal of drawing in 8 million tourists during the Visit Selangor Year 2025 campaign.
The event, one of the most anticipated in the global motorsports calendar, attracted over 200,000 fans this year, a remarkable 10% increase from last year’s attendance. The rise in attendance underscores the growing interest in Selangor as a prime destination for sports enthusiasts, particularly in the field of motorsports. Beyond the exhilarating races, the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia 2024 served as a platform for Tourism Selangor to promote the state’s rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes and advanced infrastructure.
Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Amirudin bin Shari, the Chief Minister of Selangor in a statement said, the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia 2024 is not just a motorsport event, but it is an opportunity for Selangor to showcase its capabilities and its unique character to a global audience. This collaboration demonstrates how sports tourism can drive both economic growth and cultural exchange. We are committed to creating memorable experiences for visitors and using platforms like this to promote Selangor’s tourism attractions to the world. We look forward to an exceptional Visit Selangor Year 2025.
To enhance the event experience, Tourism Selangor hosted a vibrant exhibition featuring local brands and activities that represent the state’s unique offerings. The exhibition included displays from local producers like FAMA Selangor and HL Dragon Fruit, as well as interactive sessions on Kuala Kubu Bharu White Water Rafting and Jugra Paragliding. At the Tourism Selangor booth, visitors sampled a range of local products, fresh tropical fruits and traditional cuisine, offering them an authentic taste of Selangor’s culinary heritage.
Tourism Selangor’s efforts are building momentum toward Visit Selangor Year 2025, which will officially launch in December 2024. With the target of attracting 8 million tourists, the campaign aims to generate approximately RM 11.2 billion in tourism receipts. It will highlight the state’s variety of tourism offerings, including eco and agro tourism, theme parks, medical tourism, culinary experiences and sports tourism, with the goal of positioning Selangor as a world-class destination.
With sports tourism at the core of Selangor’s strategic tourism initiatives, events like the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia 2024 are pivotal in promoting the state’s vast array of attractions to a global audience. This focus on sports tourism not only attracts international visitors but also boosts the local economy, creating job opportunities and fostering community engagement. The economic impact of the MotoGP™ Malaysia alone is expected to ripple through Selangor’s hospitality, retail and services sectors, providing long-term benefits for local communities.
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