French President Emmanuel Macron recently spoke of Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour-only to boast of the enormous cultural and economic success for France. Swift was “very impressive,” he stated, in being able to gather these huge crowds together and create an event that resonated across generations-especially during her sold-out performances in Paris at La Défense Arena back this May 2024.
Speaking from his palace in Paris, Macron explained how Swift’s roadshow represented more of a cultural phenomenon that drew together people of all persuasions. Macaron even marveled how the performances were able to transcend generational lines because fans of all ages flocked in her shows. “Swift’s ability to unite people through music is very impressive,” Macron noted, explaining that the Eras Tour was more than just a series of concerts; it was a cultural movement that uplifted France during a time when the arts were beginning to fully recover from the global pandemic.
The Swift concerts seriously hit the economy in Paris, especially during her performances this May 2024. Consumer spending in the city rose an astonishing 22% during her performances, helping all manner of local businesses, from transportation services to restaurants and hotels. In fact, Macron acknowledged the economic uptick as Swift’s influence was “absolutely unique.”
Praise from the President for Swift’s tour forms part of his wider programme of support for France’s arts and entertainment industries. Local businesses savored one of the biggest boosts in revenue as tourists and fans flocked the city to spectate her shows. “Events such as the Eras Tour showcase how culture and entertainment drive economic growth,” Macron said, underlining how important such events are to local economies.
Praise from the President for Swift’s tour fits into his broader program of support for the arts and entertainment sectors in France.
Macron has several times voiced his commitment to nurturing France’s cultural landscape. He believes that events like the Eras Tour are in fact facilitating community spirit and contributing to the economic growth of the nation. “Cultural events are important to build communality, and at the same time, they create economic opportunities,” said Macron, in remarks underlining the role he sees the arts playing in France’s long-term growth. Swift’s Eras Tour was the highlight of the 2024 European concert calendar, with many cancelled shows for several security breaches in some cities.
Really great that this time it dealt a series of completely sold-out concerts for Paris, which has become even more crucial with great events being problematic elsewhere around Europe. But Macron put Swift’s concerts as a beacon of resilience and celebration for the pulse of France in the international view, amidst other cities feeling the challenges. “Her performances in Paris were not just concerts; they were a celebration of art and community,” he added.
Swift’s tour came along with Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, marking the resurgence of mega-concerts in the post-pandemic era. Macrons said such events represent the rebirth of live music and cultural meetings that had been put on hold during the pandemic: “The success of Swift’s Eras Tour shows how live entertainment is returning stronger than ever”. They saluted Swift and other leading artists for driving this cultural revival that has taken over Europe, has kept people together, and revitalizes local economies.
