Singapore eyes ‘significant’ economic benefits as it lures Taylor Swift with grant for sold-out concerts

The tourism board and culture ministry did not disclose the amount, but referred to ‘significant’ economic benefits brought by Swift’s concerts worldwide

Singapore has seen a boom in concerts since pandemic lockdowns ended, with big names like Blackpink, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran playing sold-out shows

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Taylor Swift performs during the first night of The Eras Tour in Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Swift is set to perform six sold-out shows in Singapore early in March. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 9:49pm, 20 Feb 2024Updated: 10:12pm, 20 Feb 2024

Singapore has awarded Taylor Swift a grant to perform in the city state, government authorities said on Tuesday, acknowledging efforts to persuade the pop superstar to perform on the island – her only stop in Southeast Asia – and the potential boon to the economy from her concerts.

Swift is set to perform six sold-out shows in Singapore early in March.

The tourism board and culture ministry did not disclose the amount of the grant, but in a statement referred to the economic benefits brought by Swift’s concerts around the world due to her popularity, and said the ministry had worked with concert promoter AEG Presents to get Swift to perform in Singapore.

People watch a drone fleet performance at Singapore’s Marina Bay. Singapore has seen a boom in concerts since pandemic lockdowns ended. Photo: Xinhua

“It is likely to generate significant benefits to the Singapore economy, especially to tourism activities such as hospitality, retail, travel and dining, as has happened in other cities in which Taylor Swift has performed,” they said.

Singapore has seen a boom in concerts since pandemic lockdowns ended, with big names like Blackpink, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran playing sold-out shows.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told a business forum on Friday that Singapore had paid Swift 100 million baht (US$2.77 million) per show, allegedly on condition that Singapore would be Swift’s only show in Southeast Asia.

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Taylor Swift, Coldplay spark concert tourism boom in Southeast Asia

The Singapore government did not comment on the exclusivity clause, though AEG has said Swift’s sole concert stop in Southeast Asia will be on the island nation, with VIP tickets going for S$1,228 (US$913.55).