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What does the Pope and Taylor Swift have in common?

Lisbon is going to be welcoming devout fans of all kinds!

Pope Francis will be attending World Youth Day 2023, which is hosted by the beautiful city of Lisbon from August 2nd to 6th, 2023. The city is expected to bring in 1-2 million youths from all over the world.

Then in May 2024, Taylor Swift will be playing 2 concerts at Estádio da Luz, one of her European stops on her record-breaking Eras Tour. Although the stadium only has a 65,000 capacity per night, it’s been known that her fans travel to her concerts and gather outside the stadium to enjoy the live music. If the US spending by concertgoers can be used as a barometer, it seems an average fan spends $1,300 USD for the tickets, hotel, clothes, food etc. per night. That could potentially mean a $85 million USD of a local revenue bump for Lisbon per night!!

No doubt both of these events will transform the city into a vibrant hub of youthful energy and culture setting up Lisbon to be the unforgettable destination.

Here are the expanded benefits for Lisbon in both cases:

  1. Energetic atmosphere: With Pope Francis attending World Youth Day and millions of youths from around the world converging on the city, Lisbon will be filled with an electrifying energy. The streets will come alive with celebrations, gatherings, and a sense of youthful enthusiasm. Similarly, Taylor Swift's concerts at Estádio da Luz will create a buzz, as fans gather outside the stadium to enjoy the live music, adding to the city's vibrant atmosphere.

  2. Cultural exchange: Both events provide excellent opportunities for cultural exchange. In World Youth Day, travelers from diverse backgrounds will interact and share their traditions, languages, and customs. This interaction promotes understanding, breaks down barriers, and creates a sense of global unity. Taylor Swift's concerts, although focused on her music, also bring together fans from different countries, allowing for cultural exchanges among concertgoers.

  3. Exploration: Visitors to Lisbon during these events will have the chance to explore the city's rich offerings. From historical landmarks such as Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery to vibrant neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto, Lisbon has much to offer in terms of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Travelers can immerse themselves in the local cuisine, indulge in traditional Fado music, and enjoy the city's stunning coastal views.

Both World Youth Day and Taylor Swift's concerts will transform Lisbon into a dynamic hub of youthful energy, cultural exchange, and devoted fans. The city will benefit from an energetic atmosphere, enhanced cultural understanding, and increased tourism. Whether one seeks spiritual enlightenment or a memorable music experience, Lisbon proves to be an ideal destination to embrace these cultural phenomena.

Até já,

Mia and Rafael