Edinburgh Taylor Swift dates to bring £100m to Scottish economy with Eras Tour

The Eras Tour is set to bring £100 million to the Scottish economy as 210,000 Taylor Swift fans descend on Edinburgh.

The Blank Space singer will come to the capital for the first time for dates on June 7, 8 and 9. The US superstar is set to bring the ‘Swift lift’ to cities across the UK.

Fans are expected to spend an average of £121 on accommodation, £111 on travel and £56 on food. Hotels in Edinburgh have already seen a huge demand, reports the Daily Record.

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Forever Edinburgh, the city’s destination marketing and promotions brand, which is run by The City of Edinburgh Council, is looking to capitalise on this by announcing a series of experiences for those living, visiting and working in the city.

It has announced a programme of activity to help visitors, residents and businesses enjoy the benefits of the concert. Launching on Thursday, June 6, more than 50 local hospitality and tourism businesses have come together to create the Edinburgh Taylored Taste Trail.

Across the city, fans can enjoy Taylor themed sweet treats from Babyfaced Baker, Cuckoo’s Bakery and the Little Bakery. Bonnie and Wild, Cold Town House, Hard Rock Café, Brewhemia, Mackays on the Mile, Mimi’s Bakehouse, and Edinburgh Street Food offering dedicated menus including themed dishes, Taylor-themed brunches and afternoon teas.

Themed cocktails and mocktails will be available at many of the city’s best bars including Elio’s, Copper Still, Angel’s Share, Revolve Bar, Holyrood Distillery, and the Alchemist. Elsewhere, Camera Obscura will be hosting a Giant Kaleidosphere dedicated to the Eras musician and in Gorgie.

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Tynecastle Park, home to Scotland’s third biggest football club, is hosting an interactive Swiftie Bingo, open to all ages. The unique Taylored experience will showcase the best of Edinburgh’s retail, hospitality, and food & drink scenes, encouraging fans and their friends to explore the city’s diverse neighbourhoods by foot, tram, bus, or other modes of transport.

Featured prominently on Forever Edinburgh’s dedicated Swift Fan Hub, the Taylored Taste Trail will be accompanied with a Taste Trail map, a list of top tips to help fans plan ahead and make responsible choices, plus a guide to Edinburgh for Swifties.

City leaders have also organised a welcome gift for Swift, collaborating with a selection of Edinburgh businesses to build a hamper full of Scottish goodies. Participants include Eateaket, Edinburgh Gin and kiltmakers Kinloch Anderson, who have made three unique gifts for Taylor from a newly created Edinburgh 900 Tartan.

A personalised itinerary is also enclosed with the must-dos for Swift to visit during her stay, which was personally crafted and gifted to the star as part of the wider city gesture. This is based on her favourite things such as a visit to cat café Maison de Moggy and experiencing Edinburgh’s music scene.

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Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “We’re enchanted to be welcoming Taylor to the city and to be able to bring all these businesses together to provide a fun weekend for residents and visitors alike. We aim to ignite curiosity among fans to venture across the city, spreading foot traffic and benefits throughout.

“Our goal is to cultivate a positive fan experience, fostering lasting advocacy for Edinburgh among our visitors while ensuring a positive impact on residents. It’s a great opportunity to support Edinburgh businesses and the local economy, so her visit will give a ‘Swift lift’ to the city.”

Neil Christison, VisitScotland’s Regional Director said: “Taylor Swift is a phenomenon, and her shows have created a real buzz in the city. We know gig tourism is a growing global trend, with fans seeking to turn their live music experience into a bigger exploration of the destination. The Edinburgh Taylored Taste Trail is an excellent way to engage with the fanbase and encourage them to explore businesses across the city.”