Formula 1, Monza Grand Prix: turnover rises to 350 million

The ‘Kimi Antonelli effect’ is adding to the enthusiasm of the Ferrari fans. The weekend of 6 September is set to be a record-breaking one, when the 97th Italian F1 Grand Prix will take place at Monza, the ‘temple of speed’. This major event is expected to ‘generate economic benefits of at least 343 million euros’ for the Lombardy region.

This is according to Massimo Feruzzi, director of Jfc, a tourism marketing company, who adds: “We estimate that the event will be worth around 104 million to businesses in the tourism sector, including hospitality, food & beverage, retail and events, plus a further 43 million in indirect impact and related economic activity. The legacy for the local area is worth 34 million, whilst the visibility and brand positioning of Monza and the National Autodrome – continues Feruzzi – are worth 161 million.” For the entire weekend, JFC estimates that the number of spectators will exceed 380,000. Almost 44,000 tourist arrivals are expected, with around 127,000 overnight stays in the area.

‘On the one hand, there has been an increase in the number of spectators and guests choosing to stay during the Grand Prix; on the other, a widespread – albeit varied – rise in the prices of the services on offer; and finally, a growing interest in the event, which is translating into an ever-stronger demand for premium experiences.’ Among the various sectors, the best-performing is hospitality (+18 per cent on the 2024 final figures), with VIP packages and exclusive experiences being purchased by large companies.

This package includes Aci Blueteam, the Aci Club’s travel agency, which will be launching ‘Capolavoro’ – a brand dedicated to high-end experiences – at Monza. To mark the Grand Prix, the historic timekeepers’ tower, situated on the home straight, is being included in the package with three different options, with prices starting at around 5,500 euros; transfers and hotel accommodation in Milan can be added if required.

Visitors from abroad are the driving force behind growth in the tourism sector: the main countries of origin for visitors are the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany. “Four- and five-star hotels within a 25-kilometre radius of the circuit are nearing full occupancy, whilst those around 50 kilometres away are recording their highest figures of the season,” adds Maurizio Naro, president of Federalberghi for Milan, Lodi and Monza and Brianza. Prices for accommodation near the circuit have, on average, at least doubled, whilst those for hotels in Milan have risen by 70 per cent.”