Kaohsiung concert economy generates NT$5.7 billion in revenues in 2024

Kaohsiung, April 20 (CNA) Kaohsiung's promotion of its "concert economy" injected billions of Taiwan dollars in tourism revenues into the local economy last year amid a concert boom driven by appearances by many international acts.

At least 157 concerts were held in Kaohsiung in 2024, drawing 1.71 million attendees and generating more than NT$5.7 billion (US$174.15 million) in tourism-related revenues from transportation, food, accommodation, and other services, city government data showed.

International stars such as Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, English pop group Take That and other bands and singing idols put on shows in Kaohsiung last year, while Japan's Lisa also held a fan meetup in the southern port city.

In addition, the Megaport Festival, one of the most iconic outdoor music festivals in Taiwan, was also held in the city in 2024, attracting 300,000 people, according to the city government.

This year, a number domestic and foreign stars are expected to perform in Kaohsiung, including South Korean boy band Super Junior's Kyuhyun, Maroon 5, an American pop rock band from Los Angeles, Korean singer Rain, Korean band CNBLUE, and Australian singer Kylie Minogue.

Others set to appear are Japan's Koda Kumi and Hirosue Ryōko as well as Taiwanese rock band Accusefive (告五人), Hong Kong singer Jacky Cheung (張學友), and Taiwanese pop diva Jody Chiang (江蕙), the city government said.

Given the boost high-profile concerts give to Kaohsiung's tourism economy and its international visibility, the city has provided incentives and targeted support for the concert economy, according to its website.

These include exemptions or reductions of entertainment taxes for concert ticket revenues and venue rental fees, and administrative support, such as arranging public transportation to help resolve traffic issues around performance venues, the city's website said.

To keep fans who attend concerts in Kaohsiung overnight, the city has also devised a visitor retention plan that includes developing a nighttime economy featuring local night markets as well as night clubs and bars and improving public transportation.