Two concerts by South Korean music group BIGBANG attracted around 90,000 people to Hanoi, creating a major boost for the city’s tourism and service sectors. The performances took place at My Dinh National Stadium on October 24 and 25 as part of the group’s 2026–2027 world tour. The events marked the 20th anniversary of BIGBANG’s debut and attracted both Vietnamese fans and international visitors. Local tourism officials said the concerts demonstrated Hanoi’s ability to host large international entertainment events and generate economic activity beyond ticket sales.
The concerts had an impact across several parts of the city’s economy. Hotels, restaurants, transport providers and shopping businesses experienced increased demand as fans travelled to Hanoi for the performances. The city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism estimated that Hanoi received around 220,000 tourist arrivals on October 23 and 24, an increase of 15.6 percent compared with the previous week. International visitors accounted for approximately 67,900 of those arrivals. The figures suggest that major concerts can encourage people to travel and spend money in the host city.
Travel booking platforms also recorded a rise in interest in Hanoi during the concert period. Flight bookings to the capital on Trip.com reportedly increased by 74 percent, while searches for trips to Hanoi on Traveloka rose several times above normal levels. Some three-star to five-star hotels recorded occupancy rates between 75 and 100 percent. Tourism revenue during the two-day period was estimated at around 750 billion Vietnamese dong, or approximately 29 million US dollars. These figures highlight the potential financial benefits of attracting international performers and large audiences.
The city had prepared for the event by working with organisers, local authorities and relevant agencies. Preparations covered venue inspections, security, traffic management, medical support, fire prevention and environmental sanitation. These measures were important because large concerts can create pressure on transport networks and public facilities. Authorities needed to ensure that fans could reach the stadium safely while residents and other visitors continued their normal activities.
The success of the concerts has strengthened the argument for using international entertainment as part of Hanoi’s tourism strategy. Music events can introduce the city to overseas audiences and encourage visitors to explore its food, heritage and cultural attractions. However, organisers and officials will need to maintain high safety standards and manage crowds effectively. If future events deliver similar results, Hanoi could strengthen its reputation as a destination for major concerts and cultural experiences while creating new opportunities for local businesses.
