When a global superstar comes to town, it's more than just a concert—it's a major economic event. Cities around the world compete to host these mega-events, sometimes offering special deals or incentives to attract them. But are these deals always fair? In this lesson, we'll explore the debate around Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" in Southeast Asia and analyze how cities weigh the costs and benefits of hosting major cultural events.
Warm-up (5 mins)
Think about a mega-event that happened in your city or country. It could be a concert, a sports tournament (like the Olympics or World Cup), or a large festival. With a partner, discuss the following questions:
- What was the event?
- Did it boost (help) or disrupt (interrupt) daily life in the city?
- In your opinion, was the event a net positive or a net negative for the residents? Why?
Case Read: The Singapore Situation (10 mins)
Read the short text below about a real situation that happened in March 2024. As you read, think about the key players and their motivations.
The "Eras Effect" Sparks Debate
In 2024, American pop star Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" was the biggest music event in the world. For its Southeast Asian leg, Singapore was the only stop. This was no accident. The Singaporean government confirmed it had provided a grant to the concert promoter to secure this exclusivity. As a result, hundreds of thousands of fans flew to Singapore from neighboring countries like Thailand and the Philippines.
The decision brought a massive economic boost to Singapore. Hotels, airlines, and restaurants were fully booked. However, leaders in neighboring countries were not happy. One Thai politician said the deal was unfair to the region, as it prevented other nations from sharing in the tourism and economic benefits. The situation started a global conversation: Should governments use taxpayer money as an incentive to attract exclusive events? What is the right balance between national benefit and regional cooperation?
Language Focus: Persuasion & Causation
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