Coldplay’s success will encourage other global artists and organizers to consider India as a definitive stop for their global tours.
Anna Lee
The much-discussed and anticipated Coldplay concert in Ahmedabad, produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, the live entertainment division of BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination, is not only expected to enthrall music lovers but also set to ring the cash registers for Gujarat tourism. The state and the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium both need no introduction – the state welcomed19 crore tourists in FY24 so far, the state government had earlier revealed. While business tourism and religious tourism contributed a key role to this, Gujarat now opens up the avenue of music tourism. According to BookMyShow, only 14% of ticket buyers are from Ahmedabad. The remaining attendees will be traveling from over 500 cities, with more than 1.7 lakh people coming from outside to Ahmedabad. With India increasingly becoming a critical stop for international artists and festivals, they are expected to place Gujarat and Ahmedabad as a hot-spot for high impact and large scale events going forward. And, a ripple effect is expected to stimulate growth for various ancillary businesses within the state.
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Emerging Cultural Hub
Already known as a destination of cultural heritage and environmental beauty, Coldplay’s dual shows in Ahmedabad places Gujarat in the league of popular destinations such as Glasgow music festival. Hosting a band as large as Coldplay could run into several millions of rupees. For instance, an HSBC Asean note attributed to economist Yun Liu revealed that Singapore saw a 10% jump in its GDP on the back of concerts like Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and Coldplay.
Hosting an international live music act for an audience size of over 100,000 per show, that is expected at the Narendra Modi Stadium also highlights the state’s capability to welcome such large-scale global events. It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase Gujarat’s robust infrastructure, connectivity and hospitality industry. Moreover, this could be an invitation for visitors to explore Gujarat’s vibrant culture, the authentic street food of Ahmedabad, the iconic Gir National Park and the serene landscapes of the Rann of Kutch adding tremendously to tourism revenue for the state. As travelers explore the state's offerings, it could encourage extended stays, repeat visits and foster cross-cultural exchange.
Boost for Ancillary businesses
An international event the size of Coldplay has been a catalyst for Gujarat’s tourism industry even before the show dates. According to Agoda, there has been a 47% increase in domestic travel-search demand for accommodations while international searches for accommodations in the city of Ahmedabad have witnessed an 18% spurt. Coldplay’s Ahmedabad concert has already resulted in a spike in hotel bookings, extended stays and opportunities for restaurants and entertainment venues. From luxury establishments to budget accommodations, all are gearing up to cater to the influx of visitors.
The ripple effects of Coldplay’s Ahmedabad shows extend far beyond tourism. Beyond luxury hotels and restaurants, the shows open up newer opportunities for transportation services, airlines, local taxi operators and intercity travel companies. A heightened demand in the food and beverage industry, with local restaurants, street vendors and premium eateries poised to benefit is also par for the course. With just a couple of months left for the iconic Music Of The Spheres World Tour in India, flight ticket prices have surged by 200% to 300% during the concert dates and hotel room rates have skyrocketed to as high as ₹1 lakh per night according to media reports. Retailers are already preparing to captivate both national and international visitors with their art and crafts. Gujarat is renowned for its traditional textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, Warli paintings by local artisans and more.
Employment Opportunities
Large-scale events create significant job opportunities in areas like production, sound and lighting, stage setup, crew and crowd management. Events like Lollapalooza and Coachella have shown how such events can generate thousands of roles, from logistics to security. BookMyShow Live plays a key role in driving local employment by partnering with local vendors and specialists, ensuring a skilled workforce is involved in every aspect of the event. This not only supports the success of the event but also boosts the local economy.
Music-fest driven strategies
Several reports have highlighted the big opportunity for Gujarat tourism. International attendees, particularly fans from Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, are likely to extend their trips to explore the state’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the world heritage stepwell - Rani ki Vav and Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. Thus the band’s biggest ever global show which will take place in Ahmedabad is set to amplify Gujarat’s tourism brand, showcasing its appeal to a younger, global demographic.
Coldplay’s Ahmedabad performances align seamlessly with Gujarat’s tourism initiatives, which emphasize experiential travel. This is an opportunity for brands to tailor packages targeted to the suave concert-goer, combining event tickets with curated travel experiences such as heritage walks, visits to temples like Somnath or Dwarkadhish, and culinary tours spotlighting local Gujarati cuisine.
Coldplay’s success will encourage other global artists and organizers to consider India as a definitive stop for their global tours, further cementing Gujarat’s and India’s reputation as a cultural and entertainment destination. Government and private stakeholders must harness this momentum to package newer strategies. The musical extravaganza that BookMyShow Live has set in motion with Coldplay is music not just for the ears, but also an indelible rhythm in the state’s economy graph.
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