Singapore wants to host more mega-events in 2025, boosting regional growth, amid neighbour envy

American pop star Swift’s six sold-out shows in March drew more than 300,000 concertgoers from across the globe, though the concerts’ success sparked envy among Singapore’s Southeast Asian neighbours, with some accusing the city state of hogging exclusive deals and urging their own governments to step up.

However, tourism experts said Singapore’s success benefits the entire region, rather than detracting from it.

“The media buzz and the publicity surrounding Singapore’s apparent hijacking of her shows have woken up these countries to the rewards available in this market segment (high-end concerts) and their respective infrastructural or organisational shortfalls,” said Christopher Khoo, managing director of MasterConsult Services, a tourism consultancy company.

Kevin Cheong, a managing partner at tourism and destination development consultancy Syntegrate LLP, agreed that Singapore emerging as the preferred destination among these performers has benefits for neighbours too.