Coldplay are set to kick off the first of their four shows in Abu Dhabi today, and fans from across the region are flocking to the city, adding massively to the local hospitality scene
It’s not only Coldplay that has been making waves recently, with economies across the globe getting a boost from concerts by A-list stars like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Oasis
For die-hard music fans, no distance is too far, and crossing oceans to see their favourite artist live is an easy decision. That being said, the concert experience goes way beyond just snagging tickets. Every fan needs a comfy place to crash and something delicious to eat after an unforgettable show, which means local hotels and restaurants score big when these stars pack out some of the biggest arenas.
Coldplay Fever in the UAE
The excitement for Coldplay’s upcoming shows, presented by our esteemed client Live Nation Middle East, is off the charts after tickets for all four shows sold out within hours. As part of the British pop band’s Music of Spheres World Tour, kicking off this evening at the iconic Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, the global superstars have caused hotel room rates to skyrocket by a staggering 300%, thanks to fans jetting in from around the world.
The Swifty Effect
Taylor Swift’s concerts have also been a game-changer for local economies, with some cities seeing hotel rates increase by as much as 154% when she comes to town. In Sydney, Swifties pushed hotel bookings at Accor’s properties up by 18%, showing how pop culture events can rev up tourism and spike demand for accommodations. Meanwhile, Vancouver’s tourism agency predicted that the final three stops of her epic Eras Tour, the highest-grossing tour of all time, pumped a hefty $157 million into the city’s economy.
Who Run the World? – Queen B!
Beyoncé’s fans are some of the most devoted on the planet, and at her recent stop in Cologne, Germany, they truly proved they’re ‘crazy in love’ with the American songstress. The concert sent the city’s hotel scene into overdrive, with an $80 revenue per available room premium and an impressive 95.3% occupancy rate - soaring far above the usual 61.1%. When you add in the fans grabbing bites after the show, indulging in retail therapy, and exploring the city's attractions, it’s easy to see how much Cologne gained from Queen B’s unforgettable visit.
Oasis Comeback Strikes a Chord Across Europe
The world recently held its breath as British rock legends Oasis announced their epic comeback. Fans went wild at the reunion of Liam and Noel Gallagher, sparking a frenzy that saw devoted followers willing to travel far and wide and even splurge on some eye-watering hotel prices. The tour is currently shaking up much of Europe, with Cardiff leading the charge - projected to hit a record 73.6% occupancy on July 4th, 2025, its highest of the year. Not far behind is Manchester, set to hit 61.2% on July 19th, proving the Oasis craze isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
Coldplay lighting up Abu Dhabi, Oasis rocking Europe, and Taylor Swift shaking up Vancouver are perfect examples of how fans travelling from around the globe bring a surge of energy to local economies. Hotels, restaurants, and countless other businesses reap the rewards, and that impact lingers long after the encore.
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