LONDON, United Kingdom - Taylor Swift's worldwide Eras Tour will boost the UK economy by almost £1 billion as fans splash the cash to see the US music star, Barclays bank estimated Wednesday.A study entitled "Swiftonomics" said almost 1.2 million fans would each shell out about £848 on tickets, travel, accommodation and merchandise to see the singer and songwriter perform in the UK over 15 summer dates.
"When it comes to cultural icons like Taylor Swift -- like we saw with Elvis and Beatlemania in the 50s and 60s -- supporters have such a strong connection to the artist that the desire to spend becomes even more powerful," said Peter Brooks, behavioral scientist at Barclays.Swift is on the European leg of her tour that began more than one year ago, with the performer having played to sold-out arenas across North and South America as well as Asia.