S’pore economy gets boost from shows by stars like Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Jacky Cheung

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Marina Bay Sands (MBS), the official presenting partner for Ms Swift’s concerts here, will be unveiling packages that offer a “once-in-a-lifetime escapade combining the concert experience with exclusive hospitality”.

Its spokesman said that in the last two years, MBS has ramped up efforts to grow its entertainment offerings.

Its Sands Live concert series has seen several sold-out shows headlined by artistes from Asia and beyond, including Chinese stars Joey Yung and Hacken Lee, with more than 6,000 fans in attendance at each performance.

Under this series, MBS also brought in Korean heavyweights Rain and Psy, as well as Chinese hip-hop stars Gai, Melo, PSY.P and KnowKnow.

MBS recently announced its inaugural music festival Where Music Takes Over, featuring names such as Mandopop singer David Tao, English pop sensation Ellie Goulding, Colombian singer, songwriter and music producer J Balvin, Chinese singer and rapper Kun, American rapper A$AP Ferg, and American DJ and producer Gryffin.

The event, which will run from July 15 to Aug 2, also sees MBS collaborating with music promoter Live Nation to showcase additional artistes such as The 1975, The Strokes, Rini and Sabrina Carpenter.

“Post-Covid-19, we have observed that tourists are staying longer and spending more as they seek out more premium experiences, including entertainment events,” said the MBS spokesman.

“They are also engaging Singapore in a different way by exploring more of what the nation has to offer. All these bode well for the industry as it kicks into recovery gear.”

Retailers should also leverage the popularity of these concerts, said Ms Rose Tong, executive director of the Singapore Retailers Association.

She urged those that operate near the concert venues to stay open till late. They can promote pre-show and post-show offers, meals and drinks on social media or their websites, or tie up with show promoters.

STB can also help publicise retailers’ offers on its Visit Singapore website, she added.

Meanwhile, even as foreign concertgoers are exchanging tips on social media for their upcoming visits, some local fans are wary of the competition for the limited tickets.

Part-time polytechnic student Alloysius Teo said: “I feel really stressed that Singapore is the only stop in South-east Asia for the Taylor Swift concert. I will be using multiple devices to queue for the tickets.”

However, the 25-year-old conceded: “On the other hand, I guess we should still welcome the overseas fans as they will boost our economy.”

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