Movies do more than just entertain—they inspire people to explore new places. Whether it’s a stunning landscape or a charming city street, film locations often spark curiosity and turn into real-life travel destinations. This trend, known as movie tourism or set-jetting, has boosted tourism in unexpected places, bringing both opportunities and challenges. While it helps local economies, it also raises concerns about overcrowding and sustainability.
Read this article to learn how the film industry influences travel.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “cultural fabric” mean? “When it comes to destinations undertaking tourism planning activities, it’s important to take into consideration that excessive tourism and the prioritization of tourism infrastructure can disrupt the cultural fabric.” Make a sentence with this.
- Define “drum up something“. “And Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2 drummed up interest in Malta.” Use this in a sentence.
- What’s the meaning of “sprout up“? “Meanwhile, the United Kingdom remains a popular set jetting destination thanks to the hundreds of Bridgerton, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Outlander-themed tours that have sprouted up.“ Make a sentence with this phrase.
Discussion Questions:
- In what ways does the film industry shape people’s travel decisions?
- What difficulties do popular filming locations experience as a result of increased tourism?
- How can destinations balance the benefits of movie tourism while ensuring sustainable tourism practices?
- Do you think movie tourism has more positive or negative effects? Why?
- How do movies represent different cultures, and do they inspire you to learn more about other countries?