A report shows record numbers of overseas music tourists in the UK last year.
According to a report by UK Music, the number of people travelling to the UK from abroad to attend concerts reached a record high of 1.1 million last year. The figures indicate that music tourism contributed £6.6 billion to the economy. Music tourism refers to individuals travelling to other cities or towns to attend music performances or festivals.
Notable artists such as Harry Styles, Stormzy, Dua Lipa, and Paul McCartney attracted a significant number of overseas music tourists to their gigs in 2022, marking the first full post-pandemic year. Additionally, 13 million music tourists travelled within the UK to attend concerts by artists like Ed Sheeran and Elton John. The cumulative spending of these music tourists is estimated to have supported 56,000 jobs.
UK Music’s chief executive, Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, emphasised the importance of a thriving musical ecosystem for towns and cities. He highlighted that music is a valuable asset for the country, contributing to both economic success and soft power while putting towns and cities on the global map.
However, Njoku-Goodwin also acknowledged the challenges faced by the music industry. With venues closing at a rate of one per week, one in six festivals not returning since the pandemic, and studios experiencing significant economic pressures, he emphasised the need to protect the musical infrastructure that plays a vital role in towns and cities.
Considering the significant number of fans who travelled to Liverpool, the host city of the 2023 “Eurovision Song Contest,” in May, it is anticipated that this year’s figures related to music tourism will also be high.
Overall, the report highlights the substantial economic impact of music tourism in the UK while underscoring the importance of supporting the music industry to ensure its continued success and contribution to local economies.
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