Lady Gaga’s Sydney concert trigger massive demand for city accommodation

Lady Gaga’s first Sydney concerts in 11 years have triggered a tourism boom with hotel bookings surging and accommodation searches jumping 75 per cent.

Lady Gaga’s visit has spiked a demand in city hotels. Picture: Getty Images

There is nothing shallow about the impact Lady Gaga is having on local tourism as the pop icon prepares to play the first of her two Sydney concerts on Friday night.

The Mayhem Ball tour will deliver back-to-back sell out audiences at Accor Stadium as hotels, airlines and hospitality venues reap the benefit of her first Down Under visit in 11 years.

A 14-time Grammy winner, Lady Gaga has sparked a spike in hotel demand with Accor confirming an almost 20 per cent increase in bookings across its city hotel portfolio this weekend, compared to the same time last year, and occupancy rates of well over 90 per cent.

Booking.com has also revealed a 75 per cent year-on-year rise in searches for accommodation across Sydney.

The data follows a Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Australia major event survey for 2025.

Lady Gaga on stage. Picture: Getty Images

The report shows one in three Australians, and more than half of the 25 to 34-year-old age group, travel interstate each year for concerts, sport and other major events.

It also highlights how men (39 per cent) are more likely to travel across state borders than women (33 per cent) for major events.

TTF CEO Margy Osmond said major events remain a powerful drawcard for interstate and even international travellers, particularly when the focus of attention is a global superstar.

“Artists like Lady Gaga don’t just sell tickets, they spark movement,” Ms Osmond added.

TTF CEO Margy Osmond. Picture: Supplied

Lady Gaga performs this year in California. Picture: Getty Images

“Their performances inspire fans to travel, to connect, and to be part of an unforgettable shared experience.

“Live events are a crucial part of Australia’s cultural fabric and economy.

“Australians are willing to travel for the moments that matter, and our research shows big events continue to draw people across the country.”

Australia’s largest hotel operator Accor reports its city hotels in Sydney are running at 92 per cent occupancy for tonight – 19 per cent up on last year.

Saturday night sees a 17 per cent year-on-year jump, while Accor hotels at Sydney Olympic Park – adjacent to the stadium – are at capacity on both nights.

“Lady Gaga’s performances in Melbourne and Brisbane sparked exceptional demand, and Sydney is now experiencing the same uplift,” Accor Pacific chief operating officer Adrian Williams said.

“We see time and again that when global icons perform in Australia, visitors move, hotels fill, and the hospitality sector thrives.”

Booking.com regional manager for Oceania and Korea, Todd Lacey, added: “When a superstar like Lady Gaga touches down, the travel industry feels the mayhem.

Lady Gaga at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro in May. Picture: AFP

“The significant uplift in accommodation searches on Booking.com across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane directly illustrates the effect major cultural events play in … domestic travel demand.

“With searches increasing as much as 75 per cent for Sydney and a staggering 90 per cent for Melbourne during (her) concert weekends, these blockbuster events are clearly must-attend motivators for a diverse audience of Aussie travellers.”

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Originally published as Lady Gaga’s Sydney concert trigger massive demand for city accommodation