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."
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