Throngs of Taylor Swift fans are leaving New Orleans, but not before spending a lot of money.
"Long after glitter has settled, the economic impact Taylor Swift will be enjoyed," Greater New Orleans, Inc. President and CEO Michael Hecht noted in a news release.
Everywhere you went, the Swifties are dancing, prancing, skipping, singing and generally being very happy the last few days.
"The cultural impact of Taylor Swift was inescapable this weekend, as her music poured from stores, bars, and cars; Bourbon Street was turned into an open-air karaoke club; and friendship bracelets temporarily replaced Mardi Gras beads."
Hecht says the world’s biggest pop-star and her three sold-out shows in the Superdome also had a huge financial impact.
"With close to 200,000 tickets sold (3 x 65,000 per night), that is close to a $200M economic impact, before including all of the additional spend on merchandise, local restaurants and hotels, and other associated tourism expenses, which the U.S. Travel Association estimates at nearly $1,300 per Taylor Swift concert ticket goer."
He also notes that hotels and restaurants were full, with New Orleans & Company reporting 100% occupancy on Friday and Saturday nights and 80% occupancy for Sunday night of the 26,000 hotel rooms across the CBD, French Quarter and Warehouse District.
"A final benefit of the Taylor Swift tour in New Orleans is that it served as a test-run for infrastructure and systems being developed for Super Bowl LIX, 104 days away. Much of the Poydras Corridor has been resurfaced, the Dome’s upgraded internet service was tested, Duncan Plaza served as a cultural and rideshare hub, and a revitalized French Quarter was described as 'The safest Bourbon St. has ever been.'”
