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Webjet - logoColdplay’s highly anticipated Australian tour has ignited a new trend in domestic travel, with flight bookings to Melbourne and Sydney experiencing a surge of over 44%. Fans are not just attending the concerts; they are turning these musical events into full-fledged travel experiences, embracing what is now dubbed “tour tourism.”

According to recent data from Webjet, Australia’s leading online travel agency, flight bookings to Melbourne have skyrocketed by 47%. At the same time, Sydney has seen a 44% increase in bookings aligned with Coldplay’s concert dates. This surge represents a dramatic boost in domestic travel, driven by fans eager to combine their love for live music with the opportunity to explore Australia’s top cities.

Coldplay’s Tour Fuels Domestic Travel Surge

Katrina Barry, CEO of Webjet Group, spoke on this rapidly growing phenomenon, noting that Coldplay’s tour is the latest catalyst for this unique type of tourism. “The travel buzz in line with Coldplay’s shows highlights the rise of ‘tour tourism,’ as fans embrace concerts as the ultimate excuse for a getaway. Webjet saw this trend take off with Taylor Swift’s tour earlier this year, and it’s clear it’s only gaining steam,” Barry explained.

Barry added that as concerts increasingly become gateways to explore domestic hotspots, Webjet expects this trend to gather even more momentum heading into 2025 and beyond. For Coldplay fans, this is not just about attending a concert—it’s about making an experience out of it, flying to different cities, and enjoying everything Melbourne and Sydney offer besides the live music event.

A New Era of Tourism: Combining Concerts with Travel

This growing trend, dubbed “tour tourism,” is being embraced by travellers who see concerts as an opportunity to visit new destinations or revisit beloved cities. As Coldplay kicks off their Australian tour in Melbourne, the surge in flight bookings suggests that fans are travelling from all over the country to witness the spectacle.

The statistics highlight this shift in travel behaviour. From November 29, 2023, to October 21, 2024, domestic flight bookings to Sydney for the concert dates of November 5–10, 2024, increased by 44% compared to the previous year. Similarly, Melbourne saw a 47% rise in bookings for October 29–November 3, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

This notable increase in flight bookings demonstrates how live music events are not just about the performance but the entire experience. Fans are planning extended stays in these cities, exploring local attractions, dining, and engaging with the vibrant culture of Melbourne and Sydney while attending their favourite artists’ performances.

The Rise of ‘Tour Tourism’ Beyond 2024

With concerts from international superstars like Coldplay and Taylor Swift significantly impacting domestic tourism, the “tour tourism” phenomenon shows no signs of slowing down. Concertgoers increasingly seek unique travel opportunities, aligning their vacations with their favourite artists’ tour schedules.

As Katrina Barry aptly stated, “Concerts are now gateways to explore Australia’s top cities, and we’re excited to see ‘tour tourism’ build even more momentum into 2025 and beyond.”

This surge benefits the travel industry and local economies, particularly in major cities like Melbourne and Sydney. Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues in these cities are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors, further solidifying the economic impact of large-scale events like Coldplay’s tour.

Coldplay’s tour Down Under has done more than sell out stadiums—it has sparked a wave of “tour tourism” boosting domestic travel in Australia. With a 44%+ rise in flight bookings to Melbourne and Sydney, fans are turning these concerts into extended getaways, marking a new chapter in how live events drive tourism. As “tour tourism” continues to gain momentum, cities across Australia are set to benefit from this thriving trend, proving that the combination of music and travel is a powerful draw for today’s concertgoers.

 

 

 

Written by: Bridget Gomez

 

 

 

 

 

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