Swiftie spending a $174m love story for city's economy

Pop megastar Taylor Swift has left an economic love story in the wake of her concerts in Melbourne. 

Over the three days her Eras Tour was in town, the city had a $174 million boost in spending, according to figures from NAB. 

That's up by a third on the previous month, based on data from the bank's merchant terminals.

Taylor Swift crowd
Thousands of fans flock into the MCG to watch Taylor Swift perform.

“We know many Australians have pulled back on discretionary spending, but this is the perfect example of Aussies saving their hard-earned cash for the things that matter to them,” NAB executive Julie Rynski said. 

Some estimates of Swift's impact on the local economy have ranged north of $1 billion, while others have reckoned less than one-tenth of that number. 

But NAB's merchant data shows the Eras Tour has left behind a tangible economic boost, Ms Rynski said. 

For businesses near the Melbourne Cricket Ground where Swift performed, accommodation spending more than tripled, up 238 per cent, while restaurants doubled their take. 

Bars and pubs could also brag about raking in dollars, with their take up 146 per cent. 

Taylor Swift performs in Melbourne.
Taylor Swift's shows boosted spending on accommodation, restaurants, bars and airlines.

Overall, an estimated $86 million was spent on accommodation, hospitality and tourism, according to NAB.

The Eras tour is moving to Sydney, where Swift will play four shows at Accor Stadium starting Friday. 

After tickets went on sale to the Melbourne and Sydney shows in June 2023, Virgin Australia said its bookings jumped 656 per cent. 

The airline scheduled more than 490 flights to and from Melbourne over the days of the concerts and another 640 for Sydney while the Eras Tour is in town.

Qantas and Jetstar are getting 30 per cent more passengers across their  domestic and trans-Tasman network thanks to The Eras Tour.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store