Swifties face price hikes four times above normal ahead of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour
Taylor Swift fans have accused hotels and airlines of price gouging ahead of her Australian tour next month, with some businesses charging up to four times their regular rates.
NSW
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Taylor Swift fans have accused hotels and airlines of price gouging ahead of her Australian tour next month, with some concert-goers forced to splash out thousands of dollars after businesses charged up to four times their regular rates.
Swift’s The Eras Tour has become infamous internationally for leaving a string of gouged travel prices in its wake, and with Sydney and Melbourne her only stops here, out-of-town Australian fans are also suffering.
An economy flight with Jetstar one way from Brisbane to Sydney will set you back $399 to $460 on February 23, Swift’s first Sydney tour date, compared to the $92 to $123 for the same flight one week prior.
Virgin and Qantas made similar hikes, from $119-$325 to $386-$768 and $139-$709 to $394-$709, respectively.
Even after landing, the average Swifty’s savings are not safe, as one night’s accommodation in the Sydney CBD soars to over four figures.
The Marriott Sydney Harbour jumped from $589 for February 16-17 to $1039 on 23-24. Novotel Parramatta has ballooned from $350 to $899.
Maitland resident Emma Louise is the mother of devout Swifty, Georgia, 13, who views Swift as a role model.
“She really looks up to her,” Ms Louise said.
“But the whole Taylor Swift ticket thing, not just accommodation, has been all about price gouging and how much money people can make.”
After paying $1800 for two tickets for the Accor Stadium concert, she first inquired about accommodation in September. “The AirBnB room was $1000 for one of the apartments directly across the road from the stadium,” she said.
“When I told them (about) the Taylor Swift concert, they cancelled the booking and then told me I could reapply, but the new price was $1800.”
She eventually found another hotel at Olympic Park for $1000 for one night.
“We’ve stayed at this hotel before, and it generally ranges anywhere from $230 to $400 a night,” Ms Louise said.
Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said special events like the Eras Tour will always be governed by supply and demand.
“If you’re a dedicated Swifty, you will be travelling,” she said.
“Scarcity will always drive demand … it is what it is.”
But NSW Tourism and Music Minister John Graham said while demand was naturally high, fans shouldn’t be ripped off.
“What I don’t want to see is anyone taking advantage of Swifties who are already paying premium prices to be at the shows.
“I do not want this to be a cruel summer for any fans, particularly young people and their parents, who may have saved up to attend,.” he said.
Qantas said cheap fares are sold quickly, so fans had to get in early.
“Our advice for any concert-goers is to book as soon as possible,” a spokesman said.
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