Singapore's Formula 1 Grand Prix draws visitors at ATM 2008

Expected to draw thousands of visitors to the city-state, the 2008 FORMULA ONE™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix is the world's first-ever F1 night race and has created a buzz of excitement among Middle East travellers heading to Singapore in the fall for one of the most anticipated events on the international racing calendar.

The historic race is a part of an exciting line-up of events and attractions which form an integral part of Singapore's unique transformation strategy, designed to draw tourists to the island nation by offering new and interesting experiences.

"Singapore is entering an exciting phase of development in its tourism landscape. The Formula 1™ night race will add to our credentials as a world-class destination offering some of the most unique and trailblazing experiences," said Jason Ong, Area Director, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.

Set against a mock-up of the city's skyline, the 1.4 x 2 meter F1 display at Singapore's pavillion at ATM is a model of the 5.067 km street circuit. This street circuit poses new challenges for drivers with numerous overtaking opportunities as well as challenging corners, and is one of only three races in the 2008 F1 calendar to run anticlockwise.

Visitors to the stand also have the opportunity to simulate their own F1 race with two F1 model cars that race on the city circuit.

To provide the most memorable experience for visitors, Singapore has introduced the 'Singapore GP Season', a series of Formula One™ themed activities and entertainment to be held over three weekends from 20 September to 5 October to gets fans and visitors revved up for the race.

Taking place from 25 August - 1 October, motorsport fans can also visit the Formula One™ Great Design Race at the National Museum of Singapore, an acclaimed exhibition from London's Design Museum which traces the technology and engineering secrets of F1 cars over the sport's 50-year history.

Singapore is also one of just five Formula One™ race destinations selected to host the ultra exclusive Amber Lounge (27 - 28 September) party at the Conrad Centennial Singapore - a premium event is a veritable magnet for race drivers, team principals, team sponsors and international models and celebrities from the worlds of television, fashion, music and sport.

As part of its campaign to reach out to the region's travel trade, the largest-ever delegation of Singapore travel and hospitality companies are exhibiting at this year's Arabian Travel Market, running at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) this week.