US Touring Boom Anticipated as K-pop Sensation BTS Embarks on 79-Show Journey Across Five Continents
Economists are predicting a significant economic boost across the US as K-pop sensation BTS prepares to embark on its largest tour yet. The group's highly anticipated return has already generated immense excitement, with fans like Leslie Huynh and Cailey Merulla planning to attend multiple shows in different cities. According to experts, every stop will see an increase in tourism, hotel occupancy, and economic activity that is expected to be substantial.
A recent survey found nearly three out of five Gen Z and millennials are willing to travel over 50 miles for concerts, with non-local attendees spending approximately three times their ticket cost on traveling and tourism expenses. While these figures may not be directly applicable to BTS's tour, economists believe the group's mass following, high demand, and willingness to travel have created perfect conditions for its most impactful tour yet.
BTS fans, known as Army, share similar traits with Swifties in terms of loyalty and age demographic, but are significantly more passionate and committed. Seoyoung Kwon, an economic researcher at Yonsei University, notes that BTS fans are "willing to go the extra mile and attend concerts not just in their home country, but in other countries and cities as well."
The group's most recent tour in 2021 featured just three cities and 12 shows total. However, economists predict the upcoming 79-show tour will generate significantly more revenue, with some estimates suggesting it could exceed $100 million for a single night in Los Angeles.
Tourism experts believe the BTS tour will not only boost local economies but also enhance city brands and attract people worldwide. Michael Mariano, head of economic development at Tourism Economics, remarks, "These events don't just bring people to a city – they showcase the city to the world."
The impact of the tour extends beyond concert revenue, with fan-organized events and pop-up vendors likely to increase economic activity. Small businesses are already mobilizing to capitalize on the hype surrounding BTS's comeback.
The scope and scale of the tour remain to be determined, but one thing is certain – it will have a profound effect on the US economy. As Timothy Calkins, a marketing professor at Northwestern University, states, "The BTS tour is going to be the event of the year."
Economists are predicting a significant economic boost across the US as K-pop sensation BTS prepares to embark on its largest tour yet. The group's highly anticipated return has already generated immense excitement, with fans like Leslie Huynh and Cailey Merulla planning to attend multiple shows in different cities. According to experts, every stop will see an increase in tourism, hotel occupancy, and economic activity that is expected to be substantial.
A recent survey found nearly three out of five Gen Z and millennials are willing to travel over 50 miles for concerts, with non-local attendees spending approximately three times their ticket cost on traveling and tourism expenses. While these figures may not be directly applicable to BTS's tour, economists believe the group's mass following, high demand, and willingness to travel have created perfect conditions for its most impactful tour yet.
BTS fans, known as Army, share similar traits with Swifties in terms of loyalty and age demographic, but are significantly more passionate and committed. Seoyoung Kwon, an economic researcher at Yonsei University, notes that BTS fans are "willing to go the extra mile and attend concerts not just in their home country, but in other countries and cities as well."
The group's most recent tour in 2021 featured just three cities and 12 shows total. However, economists predict the upcoming 79-show tour will generate significantly more revenue, with some estimates suggesting it could exceed $100 million for a single night in Los Angeles.
Tourism experts believe the BTS tour will not only boost local economies but also enhance city brands and attract people worldwide. Michael Mariano, head of economic development at Tourism Economics, remarks, "These events don't just bring people to a city – they showcase the city to the world."
The impact of the tour extends beyond concert revenue, with fan-organized events and pop-up vendors likely to increase economic activity. Small businesses are already mobilizing to capitalize on the hype surrounding BTS's comeback.
The scope and scale of the tour remain to be determined, but one thing is certain – it will have a profound effect on the US economy. As Timothy Calkins, a marketing professor at Northwestern University, states, "The BTS tour is going to be the event of the year."