Eurovision 2025 sells out in minutes driving music tourism in Basel: What you need to know?

Monday, February 3, 2025

The first phase of Eurovision 2025 ticket sales sold out in just seven minutes, reinforcing the global demand for music tourism.

Hosted in Basel, Switzerland, the 69th edition of the world’s biggest music competition is expected to welcome 60,000 attendees, with fans scrambling for a chance to be part of the event.

The first batch of 42,000 tickets for the semi-finals and grand final went on sale at 10 a.m. local time and were instantly claimed, leaving thousands of fans searching for alternative ways to experience Eurovision.

Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR, the event’s organizer, revealed that over 500,000 accounts registered for ticket access, including many duplicate and bot accounts.

With such unprecedented demand, the next ticket sales phase in February 2025 is expected to be just as competitive.

Swiss Government Support and Economic Impact

Eurovision’s economic influence aligns with Switzerland’s tourism and cultural policies.

According to Switzerland Tourism (MySwitzerland.com) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), large-scale cultural events like Eurovision significantly contribute to local economies.

The influx of international visitors boosts hotels, restaurants, transport, and entertainment industries, reinforcing Basel’s position as a leading cultural destination.

The Swiss Federal Office of Culture (BAK) has emphasized the importance of events like Eurovision in promoting Switzerland’s creative industries and enhancing international cultural cooperation.

This aligns with the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) commitment to fostering cultural exchange through music.

Alternative Ways to Experience Eurovision 2025

Due to overwhelming ticket demand, organizers have introduced “Arena Plus”, a dedicated fan zone near St. Jakobshalle, the 12,000-seat venue hosting the competition.

This fan zone will accommodate up to 36,000 spectators, allowing fans to watch the event on giant screens while immersing themselves in the Eurovision atmosphere.

Local authorities in Basel, including Basel Tourismus (Basel.com), are preparing for a surge in visitors, with hotels already experiencing high booking rates ahead of the semi-finals on May 13 and 15 and the grand final on May 17.

Eurovision’s Role in the Growth of Music Tourism

The rapid sellout of Eurovision 2025 tickets reflects a global trend in music tourism, where fans travel specifically for major music events.

Cities that host Eurovision witness an economic boost due to spending on accommodation, food, transport, and local attractions.

This trend mirrors other global festivals like Coachella, Glastonbury, and Tomorrowland, which have transformed cities into cultural tourism hotspots.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), music events are becoming a key driver of international travel, contributing to sustainable tourism growth.

What’s Next for Eurovision 2025?

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest will feature 37 competing countries, with Montenegro returning after a two-year hiatus and Moldova withdrawing due to budget constraints.

Russia remains banned from the competition, while Israel’s participation remains uncertain due to political tensions.

With the final ticket sales phase approaching, anticipation is at an all-time high.

Fans eager to attend should follow official updates from SRG SSR and Eurovision.tv for the next opportunity to secure a spot at Basel’s biggest music event of the year.