Back-to-back concerts by Pearl Jam and Coldplay are bringing a surge in visitors and a welcome boost for Auckland’s hospitality and accommodation businesses, says Hospitality NZ.

Seattle rockers Pearl Jam entertained tens of thousands of fans at two shows at Go Media Stadium over the weekend as part of the band’s Dark Matter World Tour.

This week, Coldplay is set to play three sold-out shows at Eden Park, which are expected to attract more than 130,000 concert-goers.

Jamie Freeman, Head of Upper North Operations at Star Hospitality and President of Hospitality NZ’s Auckland branch, says: “There’s always a buzz in the air in Auckland when big concerts are in town, and having five over the space of the week is a huge deal. Anecdotally, a lot of our members have said that they’ve been enjoying good numbers of people in the door which is great to hear.”

Troy Clarry, Managing Director Katalyma Hotels and Hospitality NZ’s accommodation sector chair adds: “Large concerts and major events in Auckland are vital for accommodation operators and the wider tourism sector. They drive bookings, fill rooms, and create a vibrant city. While we have some concerns for bookings across the rest of the year, we are pleased that accommodation is in high demand this week, with search demand showing close to 100% up until mid-November.”

Steve Armitage, Hospitality NZ Chief Executive, says the strong run of concerts demonstrate the importance of events. “For hospitality businesses up and down the country, events are more than just dates on the calendar. They mean packed bars, bustling cafes and restaurants, and accommodation bookings. Many of our members see their best days when major events come to cities and towns across the country, reaping the benefits of the influx of locals and visitors alike.”

Armitage says that Hospitality NZ will continue to advocate strongly for investment into regional and national events alongside others, including the New Zealand Events Association and Business Events Industry Aotearoa.