23-2-2024 (JAKARTA) The economic windfall from Taylor Swift’s sold-out Eras Tour stadium concerts has already injected billions into host cities, spurring South-east Asian countries to vie for superstar acts to perform domestically. But experts say big money-making artists like Swift choose venues based on the best deals for their shows, not just subsidies.
Connectivity, infrastructure and security are pivotal considerations aside from grants, like what Singapore reportedly offered Swift. The pop phenomenon is only playing in Singapore and Japan in Asia during her tour.
The region’s ‘Swifties’ were disappointed when it was announced Tokyo and Singapore were the only Asia stops on the 2023 Eras Tour. Hotel bookings surged in Singapore for March as fans made travel plans, local media reported last July. Traveloka saw a sixfold increase in flight bookings to Singapore around Swift’s shows.
As ‘Swiftonomics’ effects materialized, world leaders took notice. Indonesia formed an 86 million USD tourism fund to attract artists. Hong Kong’s leader said the city must relentlessly pursue mega events. Thailand’s PM revealed Singapore offered Swift up to 4 million USD per show, and said Thailand will relax visa rules and drinking bans to draw “A-listers.”
Singapore later acknowledged granting Swift a subsidy, withholding details. NUS expert Dr. Samer Hajjar said such incentives are not uncommon, but Swift’s purported amount is exceptionally high. Subsidies can stimulate tourism, but costs versus benefits must be weighed, he said.
Rebecca Neo of ISEAS said other factors like venue capacity, security, and transport for audiences matter too when attracting large concerts. Indonesia Studies senior fellow Dr. Siwage Dharma Negara added artists would consider investment potential through albums, copyrights, etc.
While bypassed by Swift, Singapore’s neighbors have vibrant music scenes. British singer Ed Sheeran has toured the region. Indonesia was the only Asian stop for indie folk band Fleet Foxes in 2023. Thailand’s Wonderfruit festival and Indonesia’s We The Fest draw tens of thousands, blending tourism with arts.
But Singapore is better known for solo concerts than big music festivals, said Neo. Dr. Siwage said governments could work closely with businesses to better plan international events, overcoming issues like infrastructure, security, and even political and cultural barriers.
Payment and ticketing are also considerations. Singapore had issues with Ticketmaster for Swift’s shows. Indonesia must address ticket scammers, said economist Josua Pardede, to boost trust in event management.
