International stars boost economy in Taiwan

Taiwanese city Kaohsiung has reported an economic boost from concerts, driven by international stars performing at the National Stadium.

The southern Taiwan city hosted 96 pop concerts between January and August this year, attracting 950,000 people and resulting in revenues of at least NT$3.2 billion (US$100 million).

In 2024 so far, the National Stadium in Kaohsiung has hosted concerts with the likes of Ed Sheeran (UK), Bruno Mars (US) and One Ok Rock (JP), as well as domestic stars including Energy and Mayday.

Concerts by superstars have attracted overnight and same-day visitors, bringing in an estimated tourism revenue of NT$32.7 bn (US$ 1bn), according to the city’s department of tourism.

It has been projected that more than 120 concerts will be held in the city this year, attracting more than one million concertgoers.

It has been projected that more than 120 concerts will be held in the city this year, attracting more than one million concertgoers

Last year, Kaohsiung hosted 117 concerts with artists including Coldplay at venues such as the Kaohsiung National Stadium, Kaohsiung Arena, Kaohsiung Music Center and Pier-2 Art Center.

The 15,000-capacity Kaohsiung Arena is mainly used for sporting events but has also welcomed local talents such as Zhang Qing Fang, Rene Liu, and A-Lin over the past 12 months.

Data from the city government showed that 1.39 million people attended these events in Kaohsiung, with their consumption of food, accommodation and other services or products generating more than NT$4.5 bn (US$ 141m).

To multiply the economic benefits of pop concerts, the city government has launched a programme to give out NT$50 night market coupons with concert tickets to boost the income of shopping areas.

The city’s catering industry generated gross revenue of NT$39.7 bn (US$1.2m) and the hotel industry saw NT$9.2 bn (US$ 288m) in revenue in the first half of this year – both a record high.

Kaohsiung’s airport, harbour, five-star hotels and 55,000-seat National Stadium has made the city the top destination in Taiwan for international stars, Kaohsiung Bureau of Cultural Affairs Deputy Chief Chien Chia-lun said.

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