How to sell the race all Grand Prix fans want to attend
Spectate has seen record Formula 1 bookings and there’s still time for clients to enjoy the season’s climax in November in Abu Dhabi
Spectate, ITC Group’s specialist sports operator, has seen the company’s strongest ever sales for its Grand Prix packages this autumn.
Alex Catton, head of sports, puts the sales peak down to the attention given to the exciting Abu Dhabi race last season, which made headlines around the world, together with this November’s unprecedented break in the football season, opening up a new window for winter sun travel.
Catton says: “The grand finale of the F1 calendar falls perfectly for the break in the football season. Spectate’s sales to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this November are the company’s strongest ever with more than 200 clients heading out for the season finale. This will be our third year as an authorised partner for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and we are delighted to renew this for the 2023 event with packages being on sale in the coming weeks.”
Catton himself accompanies the clients at races all around the world, and he says: "There’s nothing quite like the theatre of Formula 1. For us, the racing season means an invitation to the world’s most glamorous parties – not to mention a hospitality ticket to watch sporting history being made."
The operator has a range of packages, from lead-in options offering flights, five-star hotels and grandstand tickets, to itineraries that include a place in a private Platinum Hospitality suite.
Catton adds: “Offering unrivalled balcony views across the track and marina and all-inclusive premium food and drinks throughout the event, this luxury package has proved popular with Spectate’s clients.”
THRILLS AND SPILLS
Before and after the twilight race, there are plenty of off-track diversions. The F1 Fan Zone has food trucks, game zones and live entertainment and, once the sun goes down, international artists including Kendrick Lamar and Swedish House Mafia will perform after-race concerts in Etihad Park.
For clients who want a piece of the action, there are still packages remaining for impulsive bookers. These start from £2,495pp, for the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix offer, which includes four nights (17-20 November) at the five-star Beach Rotana hotel on a B&B basis, return flights from Heathrow and three-day F1 North or Marina Grandstand tickets. Alternative packages include access to the Platinum Hospitality, the Pit Lane Walk, all Oasis areas and the F1 Fanzone, or can incorporate longer and twin-centre stays.
- To book, see spectatetravel.co.uk; and for more information about visiting Abu Dhabi during the Grand Prix, see visitabudhabi.ae
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Place of registration: England and Wales.
Company number 08723341.
Registered address: 6th Floor, 2 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU
