This year, a total of 133 international travel agents and media have been invited by Tourism Malaysia under its Mega Familiarisation Programme to watch the adrenaline-pumping race and experience other exciting attractions in the country.

The Mega Fam participants come from 12 countries, namely Australia, China, Dubai, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Russia, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Vietnam. All invited media representatives are here to report and publicise the event, while the tour agents will help create more holiday packages to Malaysia.

The participants attended a Destination Seminar today at the Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur. They were welcomed by the Deputy Director General (Promotion) of Tourism Malaysia Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin, who also updated them on the country’s tourism performance, developments and upcoming attractions.

Over two days, the Mega Fam participants were transferred to Sepang International Circuit to witness the Formula 1 race, before proceeding to their post tours to selected tourist destinations around the country.

Launched by the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib, the programme aims to make the second round of the 2015 FIA Formula 1 World Championship a wholesome family affair this year. Also present were SIC Chairman Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, PETRONAS Senior General Manager for Group Strategic Communications Liz Kamaruddin and SIC CEO Dato’ Razlan Razali.

This year’s programme—themed ‘Experience F1 Like Never Before’—transformed the circuit and the grounds into a huge entertainment space dubbed the ‘F1 Carnival’. It featured family and child-friendly activities to encourage families to make the race their weekend outing. With many entertainment and off-track activities—expanding the F1 experience beyond the race, the carnival had something for all members of the family, including a fun fair with games, amusement rides and other carnival-style attractions, and a food and beverage festival. While the children enjoy the kids and tween zone featuring a role-play pit mock up, water obstacles and cool zone, men and women who enjoy adrenaline activities or shopping can spend time karting and drifting at the X-track or shop at the F1 Village.