Kaohsiung's Concert Boom: A Symphony of Success for Taiwan's Economy

Millions Flock to Southern Taiwan as Music Fuels a Tourism Renaissance

Kaohsiung, Taiwan – The vibrant city of Kaohsiung is experiencing a remarkable economic surge, driven by its flourishing "concert economy". Bolstered by an influx of international and domestic music acts, the city saw tourism revenues skyrocket to over NT$5.7 billion (US$174.15 million) in 2024.

A staggering 157 concerts were held in Kaohsiung throughout the year, drawing a massive 1.71 million attendees. This influx of visitors translated into substantial revenue gains across various sectors, including transportation, food, accommodation, and other services, according to city government data.

The city welcomed a constellation of global stars, including Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, English pop group Take That, and Lisa from Japan, who held a fan meetup. The iconic Megaport Festival, a cornerstone of Taiwan's outdoor music scene, also drew 300,000 attendees.

The musical momentum is set to continue in 2025, with performances slated by renowned artists such as Kyuhyun of South Korean boy band Super Junior, Maroon 5, Korean singer Rain, Korean band CNBLUE, and Australian singer Kylie Minogue. Furthermore, 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) are also scheduled to grace the city's stages.

Recognizing the significant positive impact of these high-profile events, the Kaohsiung city government is actively fostering its concert economy. Initiatives include entertainment tax exemptions, reductions on venue rental fees, and enhanced administrative support, particularly in streamlining public transportation to alleviate traffic concerns surrounding performance venues.

To further enhance the visitor experience and boost overnight stays, the city has implemented a comprehensive visitor retention plan. This strategy focuses on cultivating a vibrant nighttime economy, featuring local night markets, night clubs, and bars, coupled with improvements to the public transportation network.

The photo, courtesy of the Kaohsiung City government, showcases a large crowd at a concert venue, underscoring the city's vibrant and thriving music scene.