UK Music Tourism Hits Record £10 Billion, 23.5 Million Visitors in 2024

In 2024, the UK music scene experienced a record-breaking year as live performances by artists such as Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Bruce Springsteen, and others attracted 23.5 million music tourists, a 23% increase from the previous year. These visitors contributed to an unprecedented £10 billion economic boost, marking a 26% rise in spending over 2023, driven by ticket sales, travel, accommodation, and indirect supply chain expenditures. The surge included a significant 62% rise in overseas music tourists, largely influenced by major tours like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, the most commercially successful tour ever. This growth supported 72,000 full-time equivalent jobs in the live music sector, up 16% from the prior year, highlighting the industry's role in employment and regional economic development. Despite the positive trends, challenges such as rising touring costs, venue closures, and cost-of-living pressures persist, prompting UK Music to launch initiatives like the Local Music Action Charter to empower communities and sustain growth. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the sector's importance in bolstering local economies, tourism, and the UK's global cultural leadership.