Flights, hotels in SG booked out due to Eras Tour, MBS capitalizes on “Swift Effect”

The only stop of the Eras Tour in Southeast Asia continues to build its hype and the enthusiasm is evident among the 300,000 people who will be attending Taylor Swift’s sold-out shows at the National Stadium from March 2 to 9.

However, the journey to Singapore posed challenges for a large number of fans traveling from nearby nations like Malaysia and the Philippines. Due to high demand during the concert season, Ingrid Delgado of Manila had trouble finding a cheap hotel.

The hospitality industry in Singapore saw a surge in demand, as hotel bookings at establishments like The Fullerton and Fairmont increased. In order to draw in high-spending fans, Marina Bay Sands capitalized on the “Swift Effect” by marketing luxury packages named after Swift’s hit songs.

Due to Taylor Swift’s presence, there was an increase in demand for flights to Singapore during the event, according to Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines.

Swift’s album title and birth year inspired travel plans and flight numbers that excited fans in neighboring countries like the Philippines and Malaysia about her tour. Some expressed disappointment that Swift’s only stop in Southeast Asia was Singapore, noting issues with accessibility and cost for local fans, despite the high level of expectation.

Outrage was sparked by reports of a government subsidy to support Swift’s tour in Singapore, raising concerns over the use of public funds for entertainment purposes. Nonetheless, Singaporean officials emphasized the financial benefits of having international performers like Swift visit, stressing the positive impact on the local economy.

Overall, Singapore was depicted as a booming entertainment powerhouse by Taylor Swift’s participation there for her Eras Tour, which attracted fans from all across the region and generated significant economic activity. The excitement was dampened, however, by reports of con games played on desperate Swifties, underscoring the need to use caution when purchasing tickets from unlicensed sellers.

Original story by: The Manila Times