December 9th 2024.
Could the iconic pop group Abba be the key to reviving the UK economy? Recent reports have revealed that their virtual show, Abba Voyage, has brought in a staggering £1.40billion in revenue and created over 10,000 job opportunities for annual workers. This groundbreaking show allows fans to experience Abba in a whole new way, through digital avatars.
Ever since its debut in London in 2022, Abba Voyage has received widespread critical acclaim for its mind-blowing special effects and the chance for audience members to sing and dance along to their favorite Abba hits. The digital versions of the band, made up of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, perform seven times a week at a custom-built venue in East London. In just two years, the show has welcomed over two million visitors from all over the world.
But the impact of Abba Voyage goes beyond just entertainment. A new study by Sound Diplomacy has revealed that the show has had a stratospheric effect on the UK economy, contributing £1.40bn in turnover and an additional £774.3 million in Gross Value Added between May 2022 and May 2024. International visitors alone contributed £72.6m to this total, while local boroughs such as Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest brought in £262.1m. Even residents outside of London but within the UK contributed £142.2m to the total revenue.
On top of this, attendees of Abba Voyage also contribute to the local economy by spending an average of £220 per day in London, in addition to the cost of tickets. And the show has created job opportunities for 10,044 annual workers in the UK, ranging from those directly involved in the production to those who support the show, such as waiting staff, sales staff, chefs, and hotel clerks. In the local area alone, the study found that Abba Voyage provided employment for an average of 2,805 workers.
But the impact of Abba Voyage goes beyond just financial gains. The show has also been recognized for its efforts in sustainability, receiving the Greener Arena certification and becoming the fifth arena in the UK to achieve this environmental sustainability award. Even the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has praised the show as an "enduring testament" to Abba's timeless popularity, stating that it has been a phenomenal success story for the city.
However, there have been rumors that Abba Voyage may be leaving London and heading to Las Vegas. While no final decision has been made, sources have revealed that the show may be heading to Las Vegas Resorts-Journal as a "limited engagement," with the possibility of extending if it gains momentum.
One thing is for sure, Abba Voyage has made a significant impact on the UK economy and cultural scene, and it continues to bring joy to fans from all over the world. As the show's success continues, it is clear that Abba's legacy and popularity will live on for years to come.
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