As Taylor Swift’s epic Eras Tour heads to Vancouver for its final three shows, Destination Vancouver and BC Pavillion Corporation (PavCo) estimate that the total economic impact in Vancouver of those three shows will be $157 million CAD.
Of that, $97 million is direct spending on such things as accommodation, food and beverage, retail and transportation—more than 70% of which will be spent by out-of-town visitors. That infusion into local businesses translates into more than $27 million in total tax revenue for all three levels of government.
“The announcement last November that Taylor Swift would play three nights in Vancouver and close out The Eras Tour in our city in December, was exactly the announcement we were hoping for. It’s such good news for fans and for our tourism and hospitality sector, particularly since early December is generally a slower time for major events,” said Royce Chwin, Destination Vancouver’s President & CEO. “We were thrilled for the city and the province, and especially for her masses of local fans.”
With upwards of 150,000 enthusiastic Swifties attending the three concerts at BC Place and an estimated 82,000+ room nights booked across the region, there is no doubt that The Eras Tour is an absolute economic powerhouse, and that Vancouver will see the same kind of positive economic benefit that Toronto just experienced for her six incredible shows.
I posted recently about hotel prices in Vancouver going through the roof for Swift’s tour dates. One posh hotel in town was asking $3,300 for a night as of a week ago.
Destination Toronto says more than $282 million in economic impact and more than $152 million in direct spending was expected from Swift’s six shows in Toronto in November.
LONDON, VIENNA, PRAGUE AND QUEBEC CITY TOP CHRISTMAS DESTINATIONS
Based on worldwide search data compiled by International Medical Group, London remains the most desirable Christmas destination, followed by Vienna. This year, Prague moves into third place, reflecting the growing importance of affordability in Christmas travel planning. Interestingly, less traditionally festive destinations are also gaining popularity, as seen in Tokyo’s global ranking at 4th.
Vienna’s world-famous Christmas markets and unique festive atmosphere continue to attract Canadians willing to travel far to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.
Similar to 2023, Vienna is the top choice for Americans looking to get into the holiday spirit abroad, followed closely by Quebec City. For Americans in the Northeast, Quebec City is the most searched destination, highlighting a preference for staying closer to home for Christmas travel. Vancouver also made an appearance, ranking 5th among Americans’ favorite Christmas destinations.
Quebec City in winter. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Three places tie as the best cities for Christmas for those in the U.S.: Leavenworth, Washington; Chicago, Illinois; and Branson, Missouri.
IMG (International Medical Group), an award-winning global insurance benefits and assistance services company, has conducted a review of customer travel plans between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day and predicts the top 10 international destinations for U.S. travelers this holiday season will be:
Mexico
Aruba
Jamaica
Dominican Republic
Bahamas
Saint Martin
Virgin Islands
Saint Lucia
Turks and Caicos
Germany – New to the Top 10 in 2024
For those preparing to travel and visit loved ones, IMG customer data predicts Thanksgiving Day (November 28th) and the day before Christmas Eve (December 23rd) to be two of the busiest days to travel during the holidays this year.
“For many, holiday travel is an exciting, yearly tradition, but if travelers want to avoid crowded flights and heavy traffic, they should consider planning their travels for days like Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day, which are predicted to be two of the least busy travel days,” said Grant Hayes, IMG Director of International Sales – Travel. “And while many travelers are seeking warmer destinations this year, it’s important to have the proper travel protection in place, as unexpected winter weather or cancelled flights can quickly throw a trip off course.”
WESTJET AND FLAIR TRIM PEI FLIGHTS
Chowder at Point Prim, Prince Edward island/PEI. Jim Byers Photo
The CBC reports that WestJet is trimming three flights between Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and Toronto for next summer. It also says Flair Airlines won’t fly in or out of Charlottetown Airport at all.
Those are real blows to the economy of PEI, which relies heavily on summer tourism. It’s also a damn shame, as it’s such a lovely part of Canada.
Charlottetown Airport officials hope Air Canada or Porter Airlines will pick up some or all of the slack.
