Lights, Camera, Action! Films form not just a big part of the entertainment industry but also of tourism. Film-induced tourism, set-jetting or Film Tourism, has gained huge traction as people decide to jet off to the places that brought their favourite pieces of media to life. Film Tourism refers to the phenomenon of travellers and tourists visiting locations made famous by films or television shows. Film tourism has gained popularity due to the huge growth of the entertainment industry. Fueled by the ever-growing fascination with movies and international destinations, film tourism has been a major driver of tourism promotion and growth of local communities native to these now popular locations. Films inspire viewers and evoke curiosity about new and idyllic places.
Some of the movies inspiring people to travel to new, unknown locations and boosting tourism are:
1. The Lord of the Rings- New Zealand
New Zealand's tourism skyrocketed after 2001, when The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring was released. Snowed-in mountain peaks quickly grabbed the attention of old-time fans of the trilogy, allowing masses of tourists to discover a new travel destination. New Zealand, the backdrop for around 150 locations in Middle-earth, with its rugged geography and rich blend of landscapes, was put on the map thanks to the success of the Tolkien films. The movie franchise has found a home in this land of outdoor activities, adventure, and rich culture with the Hobbiton Movie Set, where people can visit the Hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn, the Middle-earth Winery, and explore an alluring destination for adventurers and enthusiasts alike.
2. Harry Potter- London, United Kingdom
Tourists have been streaming to the United Kingdom since 2001 for a glimpse into the enigmatic wizarding world of Harry Potter. Film tourism from this movie franchise has generated a multi-billion-dollar influx by attracting tourists from all over the world to experience the place where magic came alive in all its glory. Nicknamed "Pottourism" by many, even after decades, tourists enjoy cosplaying along the cobblestoned lanes at the Warner Bros. Studio in London, with original props like Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station and the engines of the Hogwarts Express. Warner Bros Studio Tour London also lets Potterheads let their inner wizard free with tours of sets from the series, like the Hogwarts Dining Hall, the dark Forbidden Forest, and the Gringotts Wizarding Bank, run by goblins.
3. The Hangover 2- Bangkok, Thailand
A major box office hit, The Hangover 2 was filmed mostly in Thailand. As the Wolfpack arrive in Bangkok to celebrate Stu's wedding, they embark on another fuelled adventure through the vibrant city's nightlife. The film was highly successful in drawing large numbers of tourists to Thailand, curious to retrace the Wolfpack's adventures. Some tourist attractions highly sought out by die-hard fans of the movies include the luxurious Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Thailand, which was featured as an elegant wedding location in the movie. The famous Sky Bar at Lebua even serves a "Hangovertini" to commemorate the success of the film and offers a tour of "The Hangover Suite", which hosted the cast of The Hangover Part II during filming.
4. Mamma Mia! - Sporades Island, Greece
The Greek Sporades Islands saw a huge wave of tourism thanks to their appearance in the hit movie Mamma Mia!, starring the iconic Meryl Streep and the star-studded cast of Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, and Colin Firth. With its rich blue sea, high cliffs, and sunny beaches, Greece has drawn massive numbers of tourists with the Mamma Mia! effect. From surprise engagements and ornate weddings and receptions, the Mamma Mia! paradise on the Aegean isle of Skopelos and Skiathos, where the fictional island of "Kalokairi" was primarily shot, has been in full throttle. One of the highest-earning movies ever released, people love to visit this Greek Island for its lush greenery and natural beauty.
5. Crazy Rich Asians- Singapore
Crazy Rich Asians was successful in putting Singapore on the map for tourism as visitors all over the world clamoured to catch a glimpse of the Marina Bay Sands, the food stalls at Newton Food Centre, the luxurious Raffles Hotel and many more stunning locations featured in the hit movie. Crazy Rich Asians portrayed the "crazy rich" and lavish lifestyle of the protagonist Nick Young's family in multicultural, affluent Singapore. The romantic-comedy Hollywood movie showcased Singapore's allure to the world and led to a substantial tourism boost. Tourists now visit the country to see its unique blend of cultures, the preserved colonial-era architecture and more.
6. Eat, Pray, Love- Bali, Indonesia
Julia Roberts' 2010 film Eat, Pray, Love takes viewers on the protagonist's journey around the world as she attempts to rediscover her true self. This transformative journey unfolds in a picturesque sequence as Elizabeth travels through Italy, India, and the cultural tapestry of Bali. Tourists all over the world seek to recreate the cinematic experiences Julia Roberts created. Retracing Elizabeth's journey through the cultural heart of Bali in Ubud is usually how tourists are drawn to the landscape. With the portrayal of Ubud's verdant landscapes, beautiful open-air markets, and the shimmering sands of Padang Padang Beach, tourists have become very curious about the spirituality and beauty of Bali.
7. The Wolf of Wall Street- New York City, United States of America
A movie by Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street revolves around the indulgent and crooked lifestyle of Jordan Belfort, who resides in New York City as he rises and falls. Even though the movie was shot in some parts of Long Island as well, New York City has gained great traction for being home to Wall Street. Local tourists and foreigners alike were greatly shocked by the building of the New York Stock Exchange. Although you cannot enter the building without permission, guided tours of the exterior of the giant building are still popular. The tourism of the movie mainly focuses on tours across New York City via walking or driving. Many people even design an itinerary for travelling New York City with guided tours of all locations of the movie.
8. The Godfather- Sicily, Italy
Some films become legacies. One of the most iconic movies in American cinema is The Godfather, which explores themes of family loyalty, power, and moral corruption in the underworld of the American and Sicilian mafia. Casting Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, and more, the film was shot in Sicily, particularly in Savoca and Forza d'Agro. Full of olive groves and juicy citrus trees, Savoca now welcomes many tourists on a Sicilian adventure. The hilltop town of Forza d'Agro represented Corleone's winding streets, with narrow alleys and Italian architecture. It is impressive that a movie over 50 years old is not only still talked about but still the reason these medieval villages in Italy receive tourists.
9. Twilight- Washington, United States of America
Popularly known as "The Twilight Effect", there was an intense surge in tourism in Forks, Washington, after the release of the books as well as the movies of The Twilight Saga to see the collection of props and costumes used in the movies. In the small town of Forks, Washington, called the home of the Twilight Saga, many people have taken guided tours of the iconic film locations. Some of the most famous locations visited by fans of this young adult movie series starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are Forks High School, Bella Swan's House, La Push, and the Hoh Rainforest. These key sites remain highly accessible and well visited by tourists. People often plan a Twilight-themed trip to Washington to experience the real-life inspiration behind the Twilight Universe.
10. Emily In Paris- Paris, France
Emily in Paris, starring Lilly Collins, features some of the most beautiful architecture in Paris, along with small French cafes and the quaint streets of the romantic city. The Pont Alexandre III is one of Paris' iconic bridges and was featured in the popular Netflix series. L'Atelier des Lumieres is also featured in the series in all its glory, with an immersive expression of Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night in a digital art space. Most of the restaurants, like Café de Flore in Emily in Paris, are also open to visitors, tourists and locals alike.
Final Thoughts
Mentioned above are some of the hits of the booming entertainment industry that have boosted tourism as well. Film Tourism allows cinema enthusiasts to immerse themselves in their favourite films or television series. It not only provides an exciting adventure for film enthusiasts and travellers alike but also helps local communities in these destinations reap economic benefits, grow new businesses and allow their community to flourish.
