Global Touring’s Growth Is Being Slowed By Lack of Infrastructure, Live Music Professionals Warn

Live music professionals say the growth of international touring is being held back by a shortage of venues, particularly in emerging markets. Streaming has helped artists attract audiences across borders, but limited infrastructure means promoters often need to plan tours years ahead, restricting where artists can perform.

At the 2026 Billboard Live Music Summit, OCESA’s Guillermo Parra pointed to Mexico’s existing, if ageing, venues as an advantage, while AEG’s Angie Rho said demand in Asia is also outpacing available spaces. Oak View Group’s Steve Collins said only one or two of every ten proposed venues are built, and cited planned music-focused venues in Dublin and Madrid. Live Nation’s Nidhish Varughese described expanding demand across several Indian cities and said the company is working with OVG to identify arena sites; he also noted that concert tourism is attracting government support in parts of Central Asia.