Why are global artists skipping the Philippines?
Interest in BTS’ anticipated return to the Philippines has sparked renewed discussion on concert pricing, with Filipino ARMYs noting that ticket costs in Manila are higher compared to several neighboring markets in Asia. A cross-country comparison of BTS tour stops in the region shows that fans in the Philippines are paying among the highest rates, especially for premium tiers.
RISING concert ticket prices and the Philippines’ 30 percent amusement tax are fueling debate among music fans and industry insiders, with many pointing to the tax burden as a key reason why major K-pop and international artists increasingly skip Manila in favor of Southeast Asian tour destinations such as Bangkok, Singapore and Jakarta.
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