The global tourism scene is undeniably being reshaped by “gig tripping”—travel centered around catching shows by huge pop stars. As Elton John once put it, music offers a temporary escape, and this idea is now driving travel decisions far beyond just concert halls, impacting air travel, hotel occupancy, and turning fans into international explorers.
Beyoncé Sparks a Parisian Frenzy
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour really highlights this trend. Her Paris debut at the Stade de France, scheduled for June 19, 2025, anticipates drawing a crowd of 80,000 for the first of three shows (June 19, 21, and 22). Expedia suggests that around 70% of French travelers would consider traveling across Europe just for concerts, with spots like London, Lyon, and Barcelona high on their list. Tickets flew off the shelves in under 40 minutes on February 14, which subsequently triggered a surge in flight bookings by around 37% on June 18, 45% on June 19, and about 25% on June 20, according to data from the Paris Tourist Office. Booking.com reported a whopping 151% increase in lodging searches for Beyoncé’s show dates and an approx. 50% rise for Kendrick Lamar’s concerts in July. Interestingly, Americans topped the list of bookings at around 20%, followed by the Spanish (10%) and Italians (9%), apparently finding deals in Paris potentially more affordable than staying stateside.
Hotels and Transport Under Pressure
Hotels are strategically tapping into this growing market. For example, ALL – Accor Live Limitless provides bundled packages that include tickets, lodging, and some pretty exclusive VIP perks at venues, such as the Accor Arena. Likewise, Marriott Bonvoy Moments reportedly sold 500 VIP packages for shows of pop stars in Paris, London, and São Paulo, offering luxury accommodations and services. Airbnb experienced a sizable 75% increase in searches for apartments situated near the Stade de France between June 18 and 22. Trainline also noted a notable surge in train bookings—specifically, a 92% increase from Marseille and a 96% increase from Turin. This is somewhat reminiscent of last year’s impressive 242% spike in bookings from Barcelona to Lyon for Taylor Swift’s shows.
A Growing Travel Trend
A Booking.com study released on June 19 seemingly confirms the rise of gig tripping. Approximately 48% of French travelers indicated that concerts are a key element in their travel planning. This phenomenon isn’t limited to large cities; for instance, Les Sables-d’Olonne is set to open a new 20,000-seat Arena on June 29, promoted alongside a hotel-concert deal from the nearby Vertime. It appears fans are now planning their trips carefully around these performances, almost rivaling more classic tourist draws like museums or upscale dining experiences, thereby stimulating local economies and essentially redefining the motives behind travel itself.