Film and TV enthusiasts' preferred travel destinations - Travel patterns influenced by pop culture: fans flocking to iconic film and TV locations
Travel enthusiasts inspired by popular film and television productions are increasingly engaging in set-jetting, a trend of visiting the locations where their favorite shows and movies were filmed. While series and film fans have been traveling to original production sites for years, recent productions like "The White Lotus" have particularly amplified this form of tourism.
In the first two seasons of "The White Lotus," viewers were transported to Hawaii and Sicily, with the stunning footage reportedly contributing to a boost in local tourism in both locations. The third season, primarily filmed on the Thai island of Koh Samui, is expected to have the same effect, with Thapanee Kiatphaibool, head of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), anticipating stronger appeal for the island's picturesque beaches and luxury resorts. "ABC News" even refers to the "White Lotus" effect, with Expedia recording around 300 percent more search queries for Hawaii and Sicily after the first two seasons.
A recent analysis by Datapulse found that search queries on Google increased significantly at the start of each season, with 32 percent more searches for flights to Thailand and around 170 percent more for Koh Samui in Google Trends.
Other productions predicted to make certain countries and filming locations popular destinations this year include "Jurassic World: Dominion" in Thailand, "Paddington in Peru" highlighting the wonders of Machu Picchu and Lima, and "The Last of Us" filmed in British Columbia, Canada. "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning," filmed in the UK, South Africa, and Norway, could also boost tourism in those areas.
"Wednesday" starring Jenna Ortega will film scenes in Ireland, potentially attracting more visitors to the Emerald Isle. The third and final season of "Squid Game" is set to premiere on Netflix, with the survival game filmed in various locations, including Seoul. In late 2023, the film musical sequel "Wicked: For Good" is expected to hit theaters, with filming likely to have taken place in Egypt's White Desert National Park.
The TV series "Yellowstone" has been credited with bringing in additional tourists to the U.S. state of Texas, and the second season of the prequel "1923" could further increase visitor numbers.
Television series have long demonstrated the power to attract visitors and boost local economies by showcasing unique and captivating locations. In addition to "The White Lotus," popular series like "Stranger Things," "Outlander," "Game of Thrones," and "Downton Abbey" have significantly increased tourism in their respective filming locations.
- The increase in travel queries for Thailand on Google, point towards the anticipated influence of "The White Lotus", just as "ABC News" referenced with the "White Lotus" effect, similar to past series like "Game of Thrones" and "Downton Abbey" that significantly boosted tourism in their filming locations.
- As technology continues to advance, lifestyle and entertainment sectors are becoming increasingly intertwined, with productions like "Jurassic World: Dominion" in Thailand, "Paddington in Peru" highlighting Machu Picchu and Lima, and "The Last of Us" filmed in British Columbia, Canada, set to have a profound impact on travel and tourism this year, as many fans seek to explore these locations as in their favorite shows and movies, a trend known as set-jetting.
