Music Tourism is a growing industry
The music tourism market is projected to grow 4x from $100 billion in 2025 to more than $400 billion by 2032, driven by the rising demand for live music experiences that double as cultural deep-dives.
Market Trends
Integration of Technology with Music Travel
Emergence of Sustainable Destination Tourism
Adoption of Experiential Travel Models
Music Fans = High-Value
They stay longer
They spend more
They connect deeply with local culture
“Music Tourism Is One Of The Biggest Travel Trends”
‘Experience-Centric’ Spending
More than ever, concertgoers, millennials, and Gen Z are often traveling long distances and are open to making a weekend of it. Higher disposable income levels are increasing spending on travel and entertainment with music fans now prioritize experiences, choosing destinations that offer emotional and cultural value.
“Tourists Interested in music seek to connect with the identity of a place through its music, history, & traditions.”
Travel for the music, stay for the destination.
“A “music city” is defined as a city that embeds music as a tool into its collective governance ethos across economic development, education, tourism, and overall quality of life. ”
Future Outlook:
Growing integration of immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality will redefine music event experiences and travel engagement.
Collaborations between music labels, travel agencies, and hospitality providers will enhance bundled event-tourism offerings.
Partnerships between governments and private organizers will support infrastructure development and event promotion.
Personalized travel itineraries powered by AI and data analytics will drive customer engagement and loyalty.
Identified Challenges
Sound Diplomacy
Identified Challenge
Music Roadtrip App
Function to Address
Promote All Genres of Music
“Both nationally and internationally, Memphis is recognized for its strong music scene and its role in shaping genres such as hip-hop, soul, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and country.”
Music Roadtrip celebrates all genres of music and provides an easy tool to help users discover all music in the region.
Music is Key to the Economy
“Music is a key local industry economic driver, but one that is in need of strengthening.”
The Music Roadtrip App connects users with Music Events and Destinations, which turns music travelers into local dollars.
Unified Approach & Brand
“There is a need for an updated, refreshed, and unified approach to the Memphis music city brand.”
Music Roadtrip includes all types of music destinations and events in a region, creating a one-stop shop for music travelers
Festivals, Events + Local Talent
“There is a growing desire amongst stakeholders to see contemporary artists better connect with visitors to reflect the city’s current music scene.”
Music Roadtrip highlights music happenings in all parts of the region, making it easier for tourists to discover Memphis’s contemporary music scene.
More to a Music Industry than just Shows
“In addition to celebrating genre, the brand should also leverage the unique and significant aspects of the industry and those connected to it, such as the city’s AI and music tech scene.”
The Music Roadtrip App as well as the Memphis Roadtrip specific App will be great examples of how Memphis can use AI and technology to promote music in the region.
Music Enhanced Visitor Experiences
“By further embedding music as a whole into Memphis' brand, the music ecosystem can support tourism goals of amplifying and enhancing visitor experiences, fostering community connections, and strengthening capabilities to expand capacity.”
Music/Memphis Roadtrip is a tool than can be marketed Nationally and Internationally to promote Music Tourism and help Music Travelers access Music events in advance and easily plan their trip to Memphis.