Overwhelming majority backs Bahrain’s F1 Grand Prix

Overwhelming majority of 85% of people living in Bahrain back the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, according to a survey conducted this week by Nielsen, an independent global provider of information and insights, on behalf of the Bahrain Economic Development Board.

Of the 512 representative samples from across the Kingdom of Bahrain, 85 per cent felt that the race benefits the country’s economy, with the hospitality, travel and tourism sectors benefiting most.

The Bahrain International Circuit estimates that this year’s race could provide a total economic impact of $500million.

The demographically reflective survey interviewed an equal split of Bahrainis and international residents and included all five governorates, accounting for Bahrain’s population densities.

“The economic importance of the Bahrain Grand Prix cannot be underestimated. This survey shows not only the overwhelming support for the Grand Prix, but that its positive impact to the economy is fully recognised by the people of Bahrain,” Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting CE Bahrain Economic Development Board said.

Overall, 77 per cent were in favour of this year’s Grand Prix, 10 per cent thought the race should be cancelled with 13 per cent who didn’t know. Of the Bahraini nationals interviewed, 69 per cent were supportive of the race this year; 17 per cent thought the race should not go ahead this year with 14 per cent who didn’t know. Among the foreign nationals surveyed, 85 per cent were in favour, while only 3 per cent thought the race should be cancelled and 12 per cent couldn’t say.

On the Bahrain economy, only 8 per cent thought that the Grand Prix would not help the economy however; with 80 per cent of Bahraini nationals and 89 per cent of expats believing the event will contribute to the country’s economy. Overall, 87 per cent thought the race would boost hotel occupancy, 85 per cent will boost tourism, 82 per cent would increase revenue for Bahrain-based airlines and 74 per cent though it would create jobs.

In terms of sectors that would benefit the most, 94 per cent saw the hospitality sector benefiting, 91 per cent saw tourism and travel getting a boost and 84 per cent saw the benefits for media and promotion.

The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is being held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir from April 20-22 2012.