Taylor Swift’s 'The Eras Tour' final dates sparks Airbnb and hotel surge in US and Canadian cities
The global economic juggernaut that is Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” is finally coming to an end later this year after a final leg that features stops in Miami, New Orleans and Indianapolis before concluding in Canada with performances in Toronto and, finally, Vancouver, British Columbia.
As you might expect, demand for Airbnb stays and hotel rooms is shooting into the stratosphere for the final concert dates.
“When she was in Europe earlier this year, we saw an unprecedented wave of European travel. When we spoke with guests, it was about the what versus the where,” said Haven Thorn, a spokesperson for Airbnb. “They didn't care where she was performing in Europe. It could have been in the furthest town, and they were still booking tickets from the U.S. to go see her.”
Airbnb reports that searches for vacation rental stays in Indianapolis are up by more than a whopping 1,400% during Swift’s performances in the Indiana capital city from Nov. 1 to 3. Vancouver Airbnb searches are up by 900% for Dec. 6 to 8, the final trio of shows for “The Eras Tour.” Miami, which will host the concert from Oct. 18 to 20, has seen a nearly 200% increase in searches for Airbnb stays during the Swift tour dates.
“Now that she’s back touring North America, we’re seeing a massive surge in demand for these cities that she's visiting,” Thorn added. "They are also some of the top trending destinations for the remainder of this year."
But it’s more than vacation rentals also seeing a spike in demand. Hotels in the upcoming Eras Tour cities are also quickly filling up.
Occupancy rates for the first two nights of Swift’s three-night stop in New Orleans are already at 80%, according to hotel data provider STR. Rates are as you might expect: While most Marriott-affiliated properties in downtown New Orleans are sold out the night of Swift’s concerts, you can still find a room at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans going for $1,732 per night or at the Courtyard New Orleans Downtown Near the French Quarter for $999. The JW Marriott New Orleans is a relative steal at $767 per night. The Marriott website shows no Marriott Bonvoy award night availability for these hotels.
If you’re looking to see one of Swift’s final three shows of the tour in Vancouver, then you better book fast. Occupancy rates in the Canadian city are already approaching 80% for the early December dates, and prices match demand.
The Hyatt Regency Vancouver is going for $1,659 per night for the first two nights of the three-night stop, but it gets slightly more “affordable” at $1,249 on the last night of the tour when overall occupancy rates for the city are currently just shy of 60%. The kicker here is the amazing points redemption steal: You can book the Hyatt Regency Vancouver for only 12,000 World of Hyatt points for the Friday and Saturday Vancouver stops of the tour — a major reminder of how points and miles can give your wallet a massive break during major events.
Even if you buy 24,000 World of Hyatt points through Hyatt for a long weekend in Vancouver, the total cost for a two-night points stay ($460.80 after a 20% discount Hyatt is currently offering on Hyatt bonus points purchases) comes out well below what one night at the cash rate costs. Move fast, Swifties, before award night availability zaps at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver.
IHG fans have slightly more options in Vancouver, but they’re costly.
The Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown has nightly rates starting at $1,033 for the first two nights of Swift’s tour, while rates at the Holiday Inn & Suites North Vancouver start at $1,434. IHG One Rewards members only have the option of award redemption rates starting at 120,000 points per night at the downtown Holiday Inn for the Dec. 6 and 7 concert dates. Rates dip for the last night of the tour, with prices starting at $1,013 at the Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown and $732 at the property in North Vancouver. Award redemptions remain at 120,000 IHG One Rewards points for the last night of "The Eras Tour," but there is award availability at both hotels for Dec. 8.
Hilton Honors fans and members have several convenient options for downtown Vancouver, but they’re similarly costly: The Hilton Vancouver Downtown starts at $1,611 per night the first two nights of "The Eras Tour" visit, while the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Vancouver-Downtown starts at a hefty $2,014. The Hilton Vancouver Airport is a relative steal at $689.
Award night availability is limited to the Hilton Vancouver Downtown (starting at 70,000 Hilton Honors points) and the Hilton Vancouver Airport (60,000 points). Those wanting to see Swift on the final night of the tour and take off work the following Monday can expect slightly lower cash rates, but award redemptions go higher: The Hilton Vancouver Downtown is going for a whopping 718,000 Hilton Honors points on the last night of “The Eras Tour” in December.
If Swift fans haven’t already booked their hotel, that’s going to cause some “Bad Blood.”
Related reading:
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- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- A comparison of luxury hotel programs from credit card issuers: Amex, Capital One, Chase and Citi
- Best hotel rewards programs in the world: Which one is right for you?
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| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.