Visa Data Shows Affluent Leading Post-Race Tourism and Spending after the Singapore Grand Prix

Affluent travelers drove a surge in post-race tourism and spending across Asia Pacific following the 2025 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, according to Visa data. Here are the key insights from Visa’s analysis:

Post-Race Travel Trends
- 20% of international visitors to Singapore during the Grand Prix extended their trip to other Asia Pacific destinations.
- On average, travelers added 3.5 extra days to their journey after the race.
- 35% of long-haul travelers (from outside Asia) visited at least one other country post-race, exceeding the average.

Top Destinations
- Popular nearby destinations included Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
- Longer-haul favorites were Australia and Japan.

Spending Patterns
- Travelers spent 40% more per person than they typically do at home.
- The biggest spenders came from the United States, Australia, Mainland China, Germany, and France.
- In Southeast Asia, spending focused on restaurants and eateries, while in Australia and Japan, retail purchases dominated.

Affluent Traveler Impact
- 25% of affluent cardholders made additional travel plans post-race, compared to 20% of all travelers.
- They spent 20% more per person than other travelers, with notable increases in department store and apparel purchases.
- Their extended itineraries included destinations in Europe and North America as well.

Contactless Payments
- 85% of all face-to-face transactions by post-race travelers were made via contactless cards.
- Usage was nearly universal among travelers from Australia and the UK (around 95%).
- Even in regions with developing infrastructure—like Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam—contactless usage exceeded 80%.

Visa’s findings underscore how major events like the Singapore Grand Prix catalyze regional tourism and spending, especially among affluent travelers who seek seamless, secure payment experiences.