Concert tourism is emerging as one of the travel industry’s most lucrative growth drivers in 2026, and the global comeback tour by K-pop group BTS is reinforcing that trend. The band’s upcoming “Arirang” world tour, spanning 34 cities across Asia, Europe, North and South America, Australia and the UK from April 2026 to March 2027, has triggered immediate spikes in flight bookings, hotel searches and local spending. Demand for travel and accommodation has in many cases rivaled the speed at which concert tickets sold out.
The surge illustrates how large-scale music tours are increasingly shaping international travel patterns and generating concentrated economic activity for host cities.
Immediate Travel Surges
Within 48 hours of the tour’s announcement on January 13, travel searches for Seoul increased by 155%, while Busan recorded a dramatic 2,375% rise compared with the prior week, according to Hotels.com. The impact extended beyond South Korea. In Kaohsiung, Taiwan, accommodation searches surged 6,700% year on year around the announced tour date, based on Booking.com data.
Similar patterns are expected in other host cities as international fans coordinate flights and lodging to secure attendance. Other major global tours this year, including those by Bruno Mars, Harry Styles and EXO, are also projected to stimulate cross-border travel.
Rapid Sellouts and Secondary Markets
Despite expanding to more regions than ever before and tripling ticket inventory, BTS’ “Arirang” tour sold out in just 20 minutes. By comparison, the group’s previous “Permission to Dance” tour in 2021–2022 sold out in five to six hours.
The intense demand has driven fans toward resale platforms. Some tickets listed on secondary marketplaces have reached approximately $7,276, nearly 40 times the original face value. The pressure has also extended to accommodation, where hotel rooms near major transit hubs in South Korea were fully booked on concert dates, even at more than double standard weekend rates.
Economic Impact on Host Cities
While concert tourists typically travel with a singular focus on the performance itself, their presence generates concentrated bursts of spending. Analysts note that the scarcity of such high-profile events creates a “once-in-a-lifetime” dynamic, amplifying demand for transportation, lodging and dining.
Three- and four-star accommodations near venues have experienced notable increases in search activity. Travelers often prioritize proximity, cost, safety and service reliability when selecting lodging. Some hotels have proactively adapted, preparing concierge teams to assist with transportation logistics and pre- and post-concert dining arrangements.
A Distinct Segment of Tourism
Concertgoers differ from traditional luxury travelers. Many prioritize convenience and affordability over personalized experiences, often seeking only comfortable lodging before and after the event. However, some attendees extend their trips by several days, blending entertainment with broader leisure travel.
Industry observers compare this behavior to business travelers adding short leisure stays, generating incremental tourism revenue beyond the concert itself.
Conclusion
The scale of BTS’ global tour highlights the growing influence of concert tourism on international travel markets. Rapid ticket sellouts, sharp increases in travel searches and accommodation demand demonstrate how major entertainment events can produce measurable economic effects. As global tours continue to expand, cities and hospitality providers are increasingly positioning themselves to capitalize on this evolving and highly concentrated travel segment.
