A fan holds up souvenirs at a BTS merchandise pop-up store in Bogota, Colombia, on Thursday, a day before the group's concert. [Reuters]
A fan holds up souvenirs at a BTS merchandise pop-up store in Bogota, Colombia, on Thursday, a day before the group's concert. [Reuters]

BTS has been named honorary guests of Bogota, the capital of Colombia.

According to Big Hit Music, Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan bestowed the designation on the group on Wednesday (local time), ahead of their concerts in the city.

The honor is awarded by the mayor to distinguished visitors who have contributed to citizen welfare or urban development across fields including politics, public service, the arts, sports, science and education.

BTS was recognized for helping raise Bogota's profile as a hub of culture and creative industries and as a host city for international events.

"BTS is more than just a band," Galan said. "I hope the concertgoers and visitors to Bogota experience the city itself."

BTS performed at Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campin in Bogota on Wednesday and will perform again Saturday (local time).

The city of Bogota projected that the two concerts would generate more than 40.6 billion won ($29.9 million) in economic impact.

The Tourism Observatory under the Bogota Tourism Authority estimated that spending by concertgoers on accommodation, food and beverages, local transportation, shopping and souvenirs would inject more than 99 billion Colombian pesos — equivalent to over 40.6 billion won — into the local economy. Each concert is expected to draw more than 53,000 attendees.

To mark the concerts, the city lit up city hall and the landmark Torre Colpatria in purple, BTS's signature color. It also plans to operate eight special public transit routes connecting the venue to key areas of the city to help attendees get home safely after the shows.


jshan@heraldcorp.com