How Do Movies Affect Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

Have you ever watched a movie and felt like you need to visit the place where it was filmed? Well, you are not alone.

Movies have a significant impact on tourism, and destinations around the world are leveraging this opportunity to attract more visitors. In this article, we will explore how movies affect tourism.

Creating Destination Awareness

Movies can help create awareness about destinations that may be unknown or under-visited. When a movie showcases a particular location, it captures the attention of viewers, and they may develop an interest in visiting that place.

For example, the movie “Eat Pray Love” starring Julia Roberts showcased Bali’s beauty, culture and spirituality to millions of viewers worldwide. This resulted in an increase in tourism to Bali by over 40%, according to some reports.

Increasing Tourist Numbers

Movies can also have a direct impact on tourist numbers. When a movie is released featuring a particular destination, there is usually an increase in demand for travel to that place. For instance, after the release of the movie “The Lord of The Rings,” which was filmed in New Zealand, tourism to New Zealand increased by over 50%.

Boosting Local Economies

The film industry creates jobs and generates revenue for local economies. When movies are filmed in different locations around the world, they provide employment opportunities for local people as extras or crew members. Furthermore, tourists who visit these locations spend money on accommodation, food and other tourist activities which boost local economies.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Movies can also help preserve cultural heritage by showcasing it to audiences worldwide. Some movies depict historical events or cultural practices which can inspire people to learn more about them and even visit those places where they originated from.

The Dark Side of Movie Tourism

However, movie tourism has its downsides too. Sometimes destinations become overcrowded and may suffer from environmental degradation, traffic congestion and other negative impacts of tourism. Furthermore, locals may feel frustrated as they have to deal with an influx of tourists who are only interested in taking selfies at famous movie locations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, movies play a significant role in promoting tourism. They create awareness about destinations, increase tourist numbers, boost local economies and preserve cultural heritage.

However, it is essential to manage the negative impacts of movie tourism to avoid overcrowding and environmental damage. Overall, the film industry is a vital contributor to the tourism sector, and its potential should be leveraged by destinations worldwide.