The Colombian sensation Shakira has left an indelible mark on Mexico with her record-breaking Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour, not only setting unprecedented attendance records but also generating millions in tourism and economic revenue.
A Landmark Tour with Record-Breaking Numbers
After a seven-year hiatus, Shakira returned to Mexico with an electrifying series of concerts as part of her global tour Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women Don’t Cry Anymore). This highly anticipated comeback resulted in remarkable economic and cultural contributions, reinforcing Mexico’s status as a prime destination for world-class entertainment.
According to OCESA, the official promoter of the tour, Shakira’s Mexican leg included:
| City | Venue | Concert Dates | Tickets Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monterrey | Estadio BBVA | 12, 13 March | 100,000 |
| Guadalajara | Estadio Akron | 16, 17 March | 90,000 |
| Mexico City | Estadio GNP Seguros | 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30 March | 455,000 |
In total, 645,000 tickets were sold across 11 concerts, making Shakira the artist with the most performances at Estadio GNP Seguros, surpassing previous record-holders such as Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Metallica.
Tourism and Economic Impact
Shakira’s concerts significantly boosted tourism and economic activity, with thousands of fans travelling to host cities from other parts of Mexico and abroad.
Hotel & Tourism Revenue
Gustavo Staufert, Director of the Guadalajara Visitors and Conventions Office (OFVC), shared insights into the economic impact:
- Of the 90,000 attendees in Guadalajara, 37,000 travelled from outside the city, contributing to increased tourism.
- Double hotel occupancy reached 40,000 rooms per night, translating into approximately 80 million pesos (£3.6 million) in direct revenue for hotels.
- The total estimated tourism revenue from the tour in Guadalajara alone was 900 million pesos (£40 million).
Mexico City, which hosted the largest number of concerts, experienced an even greater economic surge. According to the CDMX Secretariat of Tourism:
- The estimated economic impact from lodging, dining, and nightlife was 5.5 billion pesos (£245 million).
- Around 20,000 jobs were created in logistics, security, transportation, and production.
A Surge in Travel Demand
Despegar, the official tour sponsor, reported a 43% increase in demand for flights and hotels across Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City during Shakira’s concert dates. Notably:
- Monterrey saw a 66% surge in hotel bookings.
- Visitors came from cities such as Veracruz, Chihuahua, Mérida, and Cancún, with international fans flying in from the United States, El Salvador, Colombia, and Peru.
- An unusual trend emerged, with bookings originating from Las Vegas, highlighting global interest in Shakira’s Mexico tour.
Shakira’s Fans: A Testament to Devotion
For many fans, no expense was spared in witnessing their idol perform. Édgar Lima, a devoted Shakira enthusiast from Mexico City, attended all 11 concerts. His total expenditure included:
- 80,000 pesos (£3,600) on concert tickets.
- 12,000 pesos (£540) on travel and accommodation in Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Lima remarked, “Every peso spent was worth it. It’s a world-class show, and experiencing it multiple times was the best decision I could make.”
Music as an Economic Powerhouse:
Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour has proven to be much more than a musical spectacle—it has emerged as an economic powerhouse, boosting tourism, creating employment, and strengthening the connectivity of major Mexican cities. The overwhelming financial and cultural impact of her return to Mexico highlights the significance of large-scale musical events in driving national and international travel, reinforcing the country’s position as a top destination for entertainment tourism.
