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What Is Music Tourism?
Music tourism is a lucrative industry for many regions of the world, and it refers to people traveling to a new area in order to attend a music show or concert, or even a larger festival. When people purchase tickets to go to a festival or show, particularly one they will have to travel to see, they are then more likely to spend additional money in the local economy. For instance, it might be necessary to purchase gas for the car, make reservations in a hotel room, and buy food to eat at local restaurants. For these reasons and others, many areas are now recognizing the value of music tourism.
Bands on tour are some of the most common sources of music tourism. Local people will often go out and spend money to see a concert if one or more of their favorite bands comes to town. People who are especially devoted fans sometimes follow bands around the country, or will travel to see a band play in a favorite location. All of this behavior offers benefits to the local economy and can be a great source of revenue. If people especially enjoy their time spent in an area, they may come back for a visit later on, even if a concert is not happening.
Music festivals are another huge aspect of music tourism. These are even better for the local economy, often because they span a few days or at least a weekend. In addition, music festivals will typically include more than one band, increasing the possibility that people will want to attend. Some cities or regions decide to capitalize on the extra people in town for a music festival and will hold other events concurrently, such as food festivals or other community events that can generate extra revenue. Likewise, some cities are culturally associated with a particular style of music, thereby attracting performers and fans alike on an almost constant basis.
The music tourism industry exists for virtually all types of music, though rock music is the most popular. More and more independent bands are now going on tour, however, particularly in smaller venues in cities. This offers even small business owners the opportunity to earn some extra income from the music tourism industry; for instance, smaller restaurants and coffee shops, or bars, make great places for up and coming musicians to play, and can often bring in a great deal of income for just one show. As long as the music is matched to the preferences of the clientele that frequents the establishment, it can be a great revenue boost.
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![Bands on tour are some of the most common sources of music tourism.]()
By: Andrey ArmyagovBands on tour are some of the most common sources of music tourism. -
![Music tourism includes people traveling to a specific city or region for the purpose of attending music shows, festivals and concerts.]()
By: Andrei TsalkoMusic tourism includes people traveling to a specific city or region for the purpose of attending music shows, festivals and concerts. -
![Bands known for fans who travel to numerous shows include the Grateful Dead, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews Band and Pearl Jam.]()
By: Moreno NovelloBands known for fans who travel to numerous shows include the Grateful Dead, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews Band and Pearl Jam. -
![Famous recording studios are part of music tourism.]()
By: imkennethFamous recording studios are part of music tourism. -
![Popular clubs might be destinations on a music tour.]()
By: pressmasterPopular clubs might be destinations on a music tour.
Discussion Comments
@lighth0se33 – I am one of those people in the crowds at music festivals, and I can tell you that I do spend a lot of money in the area while I'm in town. Some people just pitch tents and live out of coolers, but I prefer to stay in a nice hotel and eat at restaurants that I don't have a chance to dine at near home.
I love exploring the local stores and eateries of different places. When I'm not listening to one of my favorite bands in concert, I will spend hours just discovering unique boutiques and cafes.
I save up for a certain festival all year, and it is my yearly vacation. That is how I can afford to spend so much money while I'm in the town hosting the festival.
Even though I hate the big crowds that music festivals draw, I do see how they benefit the local economy in a major way. I live in a city that sees tens of thousands of visitors each May for a major music festival, and for those three days, I have to deal with increased traffic and crime.
All of the hotels in a fifty-mile radius get booked up during this time. You can't drive near the area where the festival is being held, because it is clogged with pedestrians, and sections of it have even been roped off for their safety.
Hotels, restaurants, and gas stations make a killing during the festival. I would guess that more than half of our annual tourism revenue is generated during this musical event.
I think of Nashville when I think of music tourism. It is known as Music City, and most people who visit the city do so because of its musical significance and history.
In addition to seeing performances by many famous country artists in one location, you can experience all types of music downtown. As you walk down the street, you can hear everything from blues to bluegrass coming out of various venues that leave the door open to draw visitors in.
I have no doubt that music tourism generates a ton of revenue for Nashville. Music is its big allure, and many aspiring musicians decide to stay there to work on their careers. They spend money there and even get jobs there to pay for their expenses.
I live just outside of Tupelo, Mississippi, and the fact that this city is the birthplace of Elvis Presley generates a lot of tourism dollars. The home where he was born gets so many visitors all year, but they especially flock here on his birthday.
Extreme fans also like to visit other places he frequented in the area. They will spend money at museums and even at restaurants that serve weird food that used to be some of Elvis's favorites, like the fried peanut butter and banana sandwich.
There is even a yearly Elvis Presley festival. Many vendors and local businesses make money off of this, and several bands are paid to play at the event.
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