Metro Van hotel prices surge for Taylor Swift weekend

Metro Vancouver hotel rates are spiking for the weekend Taylor Swift is coming to town.

Some hotels have increased the price of rooms for that weekend by $1,000 per night, compared to their normal prices.

And while this may have many fans calling for alternative options, B.C. Tourism Minister Lana Popham admits solutions are limited. She says although legislation is one possibility, it’s not necessarily worthwhile to implement for such a short-term problem that’s specific to big events like this.

“This happens in every city. It’s not a British Columbia problem. It’s a challenge that all cities have as they invite [Swift] to perform,” she said.

The pop superstar announced last month that she would be playing three shows in Vancouver in 2024, on Dec. 6, 7, and 8, as part of her record-breaking The Eras Tour.

Following that announcement, many were quick to point out the consistent shortage of hotel spaces throughout the city. Some also noted the concerts would come after B.C.’s restrictions on short-term rentals came into effect.

“We know that there’s a need for more hotel space so that is one of the challenges right there. There’s 1,400 rooms that are in the hopper, so we’ll see those coming online hopefully before our other events, like FIFA for example,” Popham said Thursday.

She says she also expects that, as the dates near, more people will offer space in their homes, similar to what happened during the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

“In 2010, we saw people making space in their own homes to rent out. People may want to take advantage of that opportunity. You’ll probably see that option coming online a little bit closer to the concert,” the minister explained.

“Yes, I understand it’s frustrating, but I believe by the time this concert rolls around, there is going to be accomodation for folks that’s available. We’ve got a great transit system, so they may not be able to stay right downtown Vancouver due to capacity but you can certainly stay out in other areas that are accessible.”

Swift’s 2024 concert dates will be the first time she plays in Vancouver in nearly a decade. Her last appearance on a Vancouver stage was in 2015 at BC Place during her 1989 World Tour.