Music tourism contributed a record £10 billion ($13.8 billion) to the UK economy last year as fans flocked to concerts by Taylor Swift and other big stars.

 This is according to data from UK Music, reported by AFP.

“Charlie XCX, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender, and Dua Lipa helped attract a record 23.5 million music tourists to concerts and festivals,” UK Music said.

Both figures are about a quarter higher than in 2023, with the majority of “tourists” being fans travelling from other parts of the UK.

“Taylor Swift's Eras tour contributed to new records being set in 2024, with many tourists arriving in the UK from abroad to see the stars and enjoy concerts and festivals, including Glastonbury,” the agency added.

UK Music said that this year's Oasis tour, which kicks off in Cardiff on July 4, “will hopefully continue the successful story.”

Looking at the total expenditure for 2024, £5.1 billion came from music tourists attending concerts and festivals in the UK, including ticket, travel, and accommodation costs, the study shows.

“Another £4.9 billion was spent indirectly along the value chain, including spending on fencing and security,” the report said.

UK Music noted that “local music ecosystems stimulate the economy by increasing visitor numbers, boosting hospitality and retail, and creating vibrant venues that attract residents, visitors, and investment.”

However, the organization's chief executive, Tom Keele, warned of “a number of challenges” facing the sector, “such as rising costs for artists to tour and the threat of venues, studios, and other music spaces closing.” | BGNES