Bad Bunny’s new album and concert residency opens the conversation about Gig Tripping and Music Tourism in the Caribbean.
“DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” is critical of overtourism
Bad Bunny’s new album is an ode to Puerto Rican culture and Caribbean beauty. It incorporates traditional genres, such as jibaro, plena, salsa, bolero, while making profound social statements on issues like migration, gentrification, colonization, and more .
The album includes the song “Lo que le pasó a Hawaii”, where “Benito vows to keep fighting alongside his community to preserve the island’s rituals before they’re lost to overtourism” (source Pitchfork).
A magistral marketing campaign puts the eyes of the world on the island
Bad Bunny's marketing campaign for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” was a masterclass in creating an intimate connection, centering on nostalgia for past loves, ancestors, and Caribbean roots.
By sharing this content across massive social media platforms, the campaign ensured the album reached audiences worldwide while maintaining its authentic connection to home. The result was a marketing strategy as heartfelt and unique as the music itself.
The album was launched alongside a 30 show residency in Puerto Rico
Adding to the locality of the album’s concept, Bad Bunny announced a 30 show residency called “No me quiero it de aquí” (I don’t want to leave this place) taking place at “El Choli” in Puerto Rico, with more than half of the shows being available only for local residents.
It could be said that residency is part of the Gig Tripping phenomena sparked by Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour”, in which more people are travelling to other cities & countries to enjoy a live show.
The concert residency is also offering VIP Concert & Hotel Experiences
Bad Bunny’s concert residency is also jumping on another Gig Tripping trend in which high profile artists are choosing to perform concert residencies instead of going on tour.
Two of last year’s most relevant examples are Adelle’s residency in its own pop-up stadium in Munich and the U2 shows in Las Vegas’ “The Sphere”.
Will this promote Music Tourism beyond Gig Tripping?
Music Tourism is much more than travelling to a concert to another city. It’s about understanding the identity of a place through its music and connecting with the local community.
Although this residency is part of the “Gig Tripping” trend, it seems to be standing out from other world tours by prioritizing access for local audiences.
The album’s campaign also stands out by the way it celebrates Puerto Rican pride and identity through collaborations with local artists, and promotional acts in his homeland.
Will this concert residency help erase the bad memories from Fyre Festival?
The Caribbean is a paradisiac destination that could consolidate itself as a leading hub for all sorts of Music Festivals and Music Tourism Experiences.
A big deterrent to the idea of the Caribbean as a space for live entertainment event was the Fyre Festival Fraud in the Bahamas.
It’s time to start a conversation about Gig Tripping and Music Tourism in the Caribbean
Being the home of music scenes that have influenced the world’s music, from Cha Cha Chá, to Reggae, Dancehall, Reggaeton and more, the Caribbean is a destination with a music heritage that punches well over its weight.
If addressed correctly, the momentum that “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” is generating could spark a new milestone for music tourism in the region.
Come join this discussion at the upcoming Anguilla Music Tourism Convention, taking place on 4-7 November 2025. Early Bird Tickets available here.
If you're planning to travel to Puerto Rico soon, don't miss on the chance on exploring the 1 day itinerary of the local grassroots music scene that's included in this year's Hidden Gems of Music Tourism Guide. An entry provided by Sonic Gem Seeker Ilen Candelario
Thanks to our team members Liliana Ramírez and Pablo Borchi for creating this report on the Music Tourism implications of Bad Bunny's album launch and concert residency!
