ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

What Is Concert Tourism? How Fans Are Traveling Overseas For Music Shows And Saving Money

With ticket costs reaching four-digit figures, these dedicated fans are exploring international destinations for a more affordable concert experience.
UPDATED JAN 22, 2024
Cover Image Source: GettyImages  | Christopher Polk  | Dia Dipasupil
Cover Image Source: GettyImages | Christopher Polk | Dia Dipasupil

As ticket prices for music concerts continue to skyrocket, some music fans have found an alternative solution to attend their favorite artists' shows. Concert tourism, the practice of traveling overseas to experience live performances, has gained traction among Americans seeking to save money while enjoying world-class entertainment. With ticket prices reaching four-digit figures, these dedicated fans are exploring international destinations for a more affordable concert experience. 

Shelby Messing, a devoted Beyoncé fan, shares her experience of saving at least $1,000 by traveling to Spain to witness Beyoncé's sold-out Renaissance world tour, CBS reported. She estimates spending between $2,500 and $3,000 for a two-week trip, which includes the cost of a round-trip flight, accommodations, a general admission concert ticket priced at a reasonable $27, and an excursion to Mallorca.

In contrast, a single VIP ticket for the same tour in the US would cost a minimum of $3,757 and could reach as high as $5,007. The relatively low ticket fees in Spain, enforced by the National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC), contribute to the savings enjoyed by concert tourists.



 

While concert tickets are more affordable abroad, the surge in flight prices to Europe and other regions poses a new challenge for concert tourists. Triada Cross, another dedicated Beyoncé fan, used credit-card points to fly from Dallas to Germany, where she caught two of the singer's performances in Hamburg and Frankfurt. With a total cost of $3,525, covering the flight, a five-night hotel stay, and a train ride between the cities, Cross's expenses still remained lower than the cost of a single VIP ticket package for the same shows in the US. Concert tourists like Cross value Europe's robust consumer protection laws, which provide a more favorable experience compared to the issues faced by Taylor Swift fans during the Ticketmaster debacle.

Image Source: GettyImages/Christopher Polk
Image Source: GettyImages/Christopher Polk

Ticketmaster's Impact

Ticketmaster, the dominant platform for ticket sales in the US, plays a significant role in driving up ticket prices, fans allege. The platform's dynamic pricing model adjusts ticket prices based on demand, resulting in inflated costs for fans. Additionally, Ticketmaster's exclusive agreements with major concert venues prevent competition and allow for the imposition of high fees.

A lack of alternatives contributes to the frustration expressed by fans and artists alike. Concertgoers in the US often find themselves subject to these fees, further increasing the cost of attending live shows.

Image Source: GettyImages/Ezra Shaw
Image Source: GettyImages/Ezra Shaw

Lawsuits and Legislative Efforts

The dissatisfaction with Ticketmaster's fee system has led to public outcry and legal action. The Cure frontman Robert Smith expressed his disappointment in the company's fees, which surpassed the face value of tickets to his band's shows. Taylor Swift fans also sued Ticketmaster and Live Nation, alleging fraud and antitrust violations in the ticket-selling process for her Eras Tour. In response, legislators introduced the "Junk Fee Prevention Act" to limit excessive or deceptive mandatory fee. Experts say that comprehensive federal action is necessary to address the larger market problems arising from Live Nation and Ticketmaster's monopoly.

Image Source: istockphoto/baona
Image Source: istockphoto/baona
MORE ON MARKET REALIST
Harvey couldn't believe his eyes when an answer did not show up on the board.
4 hours ago
The winner, Trish yelled "This cannot be happening!" as she sat in her new car.
5 hours ago
Harvey was shocked to see some of the answers show up on the board.
6 hours ago
The seemingly tough puzzle cost contestant, Kelly Amodio a brand new Mini Cooper.
7 hours ago
The contestant, Jodi Hope took home $75,000, using her puzzle solving skills.
8 hours ago
The guest had to promise on camera to share the profits with her friend who gifted the item.
1 day ago
Harvey just couldn't seem to understand what Giuliana Rancic's mother was saying.
1 day ago
Harvey had to take a moment to school the contestant on how the game is played.
1 day ago
It seemed like Veronica forgot she was holding the host's hand after the win.
1 day ago
The owner of the Jean-Michel Basquiat Oil Stick Painting made it clear that it wasn't going anywhere
1 day ago
The player, Jason Warren missed out on taking home more than $86,000.
1 day ago
The TikTok creator @thebiteo87 stirred a debate on social media by exposing the new tactic.
2 days ago
Harvey couldn't believe what the NFLPA stars would choose for their wives to wear
2 days ago
Harvey barely held on to the podium after hearing the answers that shook him.
2 days ago
The celebration was justified as Joseph won a brand new car on his birthday.
3 days ago
The player, Shaunica Amantine missed out on taking home over $82,000 over the seemingly tough puzzle
3 days ago
After nearly losing a brand new car, Dylan got a second chance to take it home.
3 days ago
The seller Robert, chose to keep to his one-of-a-kind Boba Fett prototype, expecting to get more.
4 days ago
The player, Cherie Noisette, missed on out taking home more than $61,000 in prizes.
4 days ago