The organizers of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest have advised attendees not to book accommodations at inflated rates during the competition.
May’s competition will be held in Liverpool, as revealed on Friday.
Shortly thereafter, nightly rates ranging from £450 to £8,000 were offered for accommodations.
Later this week, Chris Brown, the head of Marketing for Liverpool, will give information on choices.
He noted that they may entail “cruise ships or a campground.”
Many of the city’s hotels have already been reserved, with the cheapest option for the night of the 13 May Eurovision final costing £1,000 on Booking.com.
One residence is listed for slightly under £8,000 for the same night.
Mr. Brown stated that the event’s organizers were “naturally dissatisfied” that some individuals “decided to try to profit” from Liverpool’s hosting of the event.
“We would advise anyone who received these rates not to book,” he said.
Some individuals who had booked accommodations before Friday’s announcement – in some cases months in advance – stated that their reservations were canceled before the rooms were relisted at significantly higher prices.
Fans of Eurovision reported that after the host cities were announced, it was not uncommon for certain hotel providers to engage in price gouging – the practice of artificially inflating the price of an item or service.
Mr. Brown stated that organizers will “handle those who, in our opinion, are behaving in a manner that is contrary to the spirit and ethos of why Liverpool entered Eurovision.”
He stated that “several rooms” had already been reserved for performers and broadcasters “at rates acceptable to Eurovision as part of the bidding process”
Later this week, city officials are anticipated to market additional lodging options in and around the city.
“This may involve cruise ships or opportunities surrounding a campground, but we have a fairly solid plan,” Mr. Brown explained.
Manchester and Cheshire, which are within an hour’s travel of Liverpool during off-peak hours, are also viable alternatives.
After this year’s winner, Ukraine was deemed hazardous owing to the Russian invasion, this city was chosen to host the competition. Sam Ryder, who represented the United Kingdom, placed second in the competition, which led to the country’s selection as the event’s host.
Organizers stated they would reflect “what Ukraine and its people deserve” and projected the tournament, which is anticipated to attract 160 million spectators, could enhance the city’s economy by £30 million.
