Taylor Swift fans are noticing hotel and airline prices going up ahead of the pop star’s upcoming Australian tour next month.
Some The Eras Tour ticket holders have been forced to spend thousands of dollars as companies charge fares up to four times higher than normal.
Swift’s latest tour has gained international fame for causing high travel prices, and with her stops in Australia limited to Sydney and Melbourne, fans from other parts of the country are also feeling the financial pressure.
A one-way economy flight on Jetstar from Brisbane to Sydney on February 23, which coincides with Swift’s first tour in Sydney, costs between $399 and $460. In contrast, the same flight a week earlier ranges from $92 to $123.
Virgin and Qantas made similar increases, with Virgin’s fare offering rising from between $119 and $325 to $386 and $768.
Taylor Swift fans are noticing hotel and airline prices rising ahead of the pop star’s upcoming Australian Eras tour. Some cardholders have been forced to spend thousands of dollars as companies charge fees up to four times higher than normal. In the photo: Swift in 2022
Swift’s latest tour has gained international fame for causing high travel prices, and with her stops in Australia limited to Sydney and Melbourne, fans from other parts of the country are also feeling the financial pressure.
Similarly, Qantas increased its prices from $139 to $709 to a new range between $394 and $709 for flights during the tour period.
But it’s not just the flights hitting the Swifty in the hip pocket, accommodation in Sydney’s CBD has soared to more than four figures.
Marriott Sydney Harbor rates have increased from $589 for February 16-17 to an increased price of $1039 for February 23-24.
A one-way economy flight with Jetstar from Brisbane to Sydney on February 23, which coincides with Swift’s first tour in Sydney, costs between $399 and $460. By contrast, the same flight a week earlier ranges from $92 to $123
Virgin and Qantas made similar increases, with Virgin’s fare offering rising from between $119 and $325 to $386 and $768
Similarly, at Novotel Parramatta, costs escalated significantly, from $350 to a hefty $899 for the same period.
Margy Osmond, CEO of the Tourism and Transport Forum, noted that special events such as the Eras Tour will inevitably be influenced by the principles of supply and demand.
“If you’re a committed Swifty, you’re going to travel. Scarcity will always drive demand… it is what it is,” she said.
But it’s not just the flights hitting the Swifty in the hip pocket, accommodation in Sydney’s CBD has soared to more than four figures. Marriott Sydney Harbor rates have increased from $589 for February 16-17 to an increased price of $1039 for February 23-24
Meanwhile, NSW Minister for Tourism and Music John Graham said while there is obviously high demand, fans should not be subjected to price gouging.
“What I don’t want to see is anyone taking advantage of Swifties who already pay premium prices to attend the shows. “I don’t want this to be a cruel summer for fans, especially young people and their parents, who may have saved up to attend,” the minister said, referring to Swift’s 2021 hit Cruel Summer.
Qantas claimed the cheaper fares sold out quickly, so fans should plan ahead in the future.
A spokesperson for the airline said: ‘Our advice to all concertgoers is to book as soon as possible.’
Margy Osmond, CEO of the Tourism and Transport Forum, noted that special events will inevitably be influenced by the principles of supply and demand: ‘If you’re a committed Swifty, you’re going to travel. Scarcity will always drive demand… it is what it is,” she said
