Connect with us

CELEBRITY

Are you ready for it? Hotels, flights booked out as ‘Swift effect’ hits Singapore

Published

on

The “Swift effect” is about to hit Southeast Asia, but Singapore has left some of its neighbours seeing red while it profits from a Taylor-made tourism boom as the star’s only Eras Tour stop in the region.

More than 300,000 fans here and from neighbouring countries will attend the US superstar‘s six sold-out Eras Tour shows at the National Stadium from March 2 to 9.

Taylor Swift mania sweeps Southeast Asia, ahead of the Eras Tour in Singapore
Ingrid Delgado, a fresh graduate in Manila who is travelling to Singapore for the March 4 show, said she bought a “new shimmering dress” for the occasion but had trouble finding an affordable hotel. “A lot were booked already, so I had to book a more expensive hotel,” she said.

The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts, as well as the Fairmont Hotel, told AFP that demand for rooms during the concert period had risen.

Big spenders have taken up Marina Bay Sands’ luxury packages named after Swift’s hit songs, such as “Shake it Off” and “Stay Stay Stay”. The hotel’s SGD 50,000 (USD 37,230) “Wildest Dreams” package includes VIP tickets, fine dining, a hotel suite, limousine transfers and passes to tourist attractions.

The hotel told AFP all its packages were sold out.

Tourism boom
Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines said there had been increased demand for Singapore-bound flights but could not say whether it was solely due to the “Swift Effect”.

A large contingent of Malaysian Swifties will be crossing into neighbouring Singapore. “It’s a dream come true. I feel excited and nervous,” said Harith Arsat, a 20-year-old student who will be making his first overseas trip from Kuala Lumpur.

In the Philippines, budget carrier Cebu Pacific has changed its usual flight number for Singapore-bound planes to “1989” — the year Swift was born and the title of her fifth album — for the March 1 to 9 period.

Sparking controversy
However, not everyone was happy when Swift’s only Southeast Asia stop was announced, including fans and governments in some of Singapore’s neighbours.

Travelling to Singapore is expensive for many in the region due to high currency exchanges, to say nothing of ritzy hotel packages.

Some were also unhappy because Singapore provided a grant to help secure Swift’s record-breaking tour for the city-state.

Officials from the culture ministry and Singapore Tourism Board, citing business confidentiality, declined to say last week how much was paid, or whether an exclusivity deal had been signed to make Singapore Swift’s sole Southeast Asian stop.

That followed reports that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had told a business forum in Bangkok that Singapore had indeed made such a deal. Singapore officials did not address Thai PM Srettha’s comments directly but said Swift’s shows were “likely to generate significant benefits to the Singapore economy”.

Singapore has been rolling out the red carpet for many international artists, such as Blackpink, Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran, since ending its Covid-19 pandemic curbs. Coldplay performed six sold-out shows in January, and upcoming acts include Bruno Mars, Sum 41 and Jerry Seinfeld.

“Singapore started to open faster than others after the pandemic and its first-mover advantage and concerted efforts to bring in acts, events and conventions has helped,” Song Seng Wun, economic adviser for CGS International, told AFP. “That momentum has been building up.”

Ticketing frenzy amid the ‘Swift effect’
Millions scrambled for tickets when they went on sale last year, which led to a rise in online scams targeting desperate Swifties.

Singapore police even released a social media video with the tagline: “Don’t lose money swiftly, buy your tickets safely.”

Regardless of the dangers, Ericko Dimas Pamungkas, 25, in Jakarta logged in to three devices to get a ticket queue number. “I got very lucky. I feel like this concert is one of the most important moments for me,” he said.

Swift has evolved from a singer with relatable lyrics into a canny businesswoman and the world’s biggest pop star, and fans believe there is plenty to learn from the 34-year-old.

“I appreciate Taylor’s candidness and what she stands for such as rights, generosity and compassion,” said Spencer Ler, a Singaporean pilot who queued for 22 hours to get tickets for his daughter and her friends. “It’s something the girls can learn from.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What is the “Swift effect”?

The trend and impact of consumers engaging in or buying products and services related to Taylor Swift has been dubbed the “Swift effect”.

– Who is opening for Taylor Swift in Singapore?

Sabrina Carpenter will be the opening act at Taylor Swift’s Singapore shows.

– Did Taylor Swift tour in Asia?

Taylor Swift’s tour includes only two stops in Asia — Japan and Singapore; the latter is her only stopover in Southeast Asia.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CELEBRITY4 hours ago

ROYAL SHOCK AT MIDNIGHT! Meghan Markle stunned the world with a bombshell: “WE ARE EXPECTING OUR THIRD BABY!!!” The Duchess didn’t stop there — she even hinted at the BABY’S GENDER, sparking chaos online. Harry looked emotional, but Palace insiders fume at being “BLINDSIDED” once again. Will this new arrival strengthen Meghan’s power — or ignite another royal war?

CELEBRITY4 hours ago

5 HOURS AGO! Prince Louis’ Heart-Shattering Screams ECHO Through Buckingham Night — William Delivers DEVASTATING News To The Nation As Princess Anne BREAKS DOWN In The Rain: “Oh dear God, Louis…” SEE MORE BELOW

CELEBRITY5 hours ago

Rex Ryan EXPOSED for LYING About Shedeur Sanders — The Truth the Cleveland Browns Are DESPERATE to Hide! What Really Happened Behind Closed Doors That Made Them REFUSE to Even Mention His Name?…..read more

CELEBRITY2 days ago

An animal shelter on the edge of collapse was saved in silence — not by headlines, but by Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift. They carried 200 lbs of supplies, wrote a blank check… and vanished. But the real shock? Staff later found a hidden envelope beneath a dog bed, sealed with 7 words that left everyone speechless. See the full story below

CELEBRITY2 days ago

NFL EARTHQUAKE?! Jerry Jones SECRETLY Plotting to Snatch Shedeur Sanders Behind Closed Doors – Fans STUNNED as Rumors Swirl That Haslam Has Finally LOST CONTROL in a Move Nobody Saw Coming!…..read more

CELEBRITY2 days ago

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce finally met their first baby. The ultrasound clearly revealed the baby’s gender and they were all smiles when the doctor read the results. Read more

CELEBRITY2 days ago

The hometown diner where Travis Kelce had his first date with Taylor Swift announced it was closing — until they quietly bought it and reopened it as a soup kitchen. But the menu on the blackboard that first day had a hint at their next chapter…… story below

CELEBRITY2 days ago

5 MINUTES AGO: Palace CONFIRMS Tragic News About Kate Middleton Health. Andrew cried out in despair: ‘Oh, we are heartbroken…'” SEE MORE BELOW

CELEBRITY3 days ago

When Does The Life of a Showgirl Come Out? All About the Release of Taylor Swift’s 12th Studio Album

CELEBRITY4 days ago

JUST IN:Vivian, the daughter of Tom Brady and his ex-wife Gisele Bündchen, is enjoying a luxurious yacht vacation with her mother and stepfather. The little girl seems quite fond of her ‘new dad’ and revealed ‘something that her stepfather has’ but Tom Brady doesn’t, which made Gisele burst into delighted laughter. Full Story:

Copyright © 2024 USAenquire