TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau said on Thursday it launched inspections after reports that some hotels have inflated room rates for BTS concerts later this year.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) revealed the news in a Facebook post on Wednesday, sharing promotional material from the organizer, per CNA. BTS is scheduled to perform in Kaohsiung on Nov. 19, 21, and 22, with the tour concluding in Manila in March 2027.

The bureau said a booking platform seemed to be colluding with hotel operators to jointly prices for the concerts. It said this may violate the Fair Trade Act and if so would be referred to the Fair Trade Commission.

Some fans reportedly said they tried booking rooms but found that more than 90% of accommodations near Kaohsiung National Stadium were unavailable. Others claimed room rates that previously cost about NT$2,000 (US$63) per night had surged to as high as NT$18,000. Others said their confirmed reservations were later canceled.

The bureau said that since 2025, it has carried out 512 inspections of lodging operators in connection with festivals, long weekends, and major events. If there is evidence of collusion to monopolize the market, price gouging, or unjustified cancellations, operators will be punished under the Act for the Development of Tourism.

The bureau said it launched inspections of hotel room rates on Wednesday and urged businesses not to pursue short-term gains through coordinated price hikes. It warned that such behavior harms consumer rights and damages the city’s image.