(Yicai) March 16 -- The Chinese Grand Prix, which is the second race in the 2026 Formula One World Championship, attracted more than 230,000 spectators at the Shanghai International Circuit, breaking the attendance record for the third straight year, while also greatly boosting hotel and tourism consumption.

The share of international visitors at the three-day event, which ended yesterday, increased to 14 percent from 11 percent, while that of those coming from other provinces and cities rose to 74 percent from 71 percent, according to race organizer Shanghai Juss Sport Development Group. All tickets, including the Paddock Club priced at CNY42,800 (USD6,205) and the Platinum costing CNY12,900, were sold out.

Hotel reservations within a three-kilometer radius of the Jiading district venue soared on average by 125 percent from a week earlier, surging by as much as 38 times. In addition, the circuit held nighttime activities for the first time, allowing visitors to tour the paddock, check the safety car and pit lane, and even step onto the F1 podium, which further boosted accommodation, dining, and overall surrounding consumption.

Top global events, including the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, and F1, generate significant revenue through ticket sales and licenses, but that income primarily benefits the organizers, said Wei Changren, founder of travel industry analysis company Ctcnn.Com. For merchandise, accommodation, and dining businesses, it is essential to leverage such high-profile events to connect the cultural, commercial, and tourism sectors, amplifying their economic benefit and extending them to more areas, Wei noted.

This year's Chinese Grand Prix aimed to achieve the goal of "revitalizing a city through a race" by fostering collaboration among the organizer, the government, and companies, Wei stressed.

The number of inbound tourists on the overseas platform of Trip.Com surged 20 percent during this year's event from a year earlier, with hotel bookings in Shanghai nearly doubling, according to data from the travel agency. Among visitors buying F1 travel packages, some 79 percent came from outside the city and stayed for three days, significantly more than regular tourists.

All F1-related travel products were sold out within one day of being released, Trip.Com noted. Searches with F1 as the keyword surged 120 times during this year's peak period from a year ago.

Juss Sport Development also collaborated with Xuhui West Bund, Shanghai International Circuit, Hongkou North Bund, and Baoshan Riverside from March 8 to yesterday, connecting the landmarks with 10 major business districts and venues across the city. Visitors holding the "Super License" stamp collection booklet could enjoy over 150 dining, retail, and entertainment discounts across 22 business districts.

Major brands also participated, with The Walt Disney Company teaming up with F1 to launch a racing-themed Mickey and Minnie merchandise collection, which included co-branded items with Gentle Monster, Miniso, and others. In addition, World of Hyatt, the loyalty program of Hyatt Hotels Group, became the hotel partner for the Audi Revolut F1 team, while Topps released a limited edition card pack for the latest Chinese Grand Prix.

Popular team merchandise, especially caps, sold out on the first day of the event.

Editor: Martin Kadiev