As many are learning, Set Jetting can be an economic boon to a region. People see a region in the movies and develop a yearning to visit that area later. If local tourism boards can incorporate the film locations into their marketing and develop tours around the movies, they can show a double benefit of having films in their locales. First the financial benefit the film crew brings to the area, and second the tourism revenue that will follow.

The International Tourism Trade Fair  Association put out a comment on Set Jetting and the benefits for a local tourism economy. Here is an excerpt:

One of the most important developments for the European travel industry in 2006 happens in May – but it has nothing to do with tourist boards, airlines, cruise lines or any other part of the industry.

It is the global release of the film The Da Vinci Code, based on the best selling novel about the search for the truth about Christianity. Starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou of Amelie fame, it is bound to be one of the top selling films of the year.

But why is it important to tourism? Simply because a growing number of people base their holidays on places they have seen in films and TV series, with some destinations even re-branding themselves based on their exposure on the big screen.

Travel exhibitions have realised the potential of film tourism, and a presentation was given at the British Travel Trade Fair in Birmingham in March. VisitBritain’s head of campaigns, Seren Welch, said one in five overseas visitors was motivated by something they had seen in the cinema.

“Our focus over the next few months will be on The Da Vinci Code, with our partner Eurostar,” she said. “It is all about a journey from Paris to London to Edinburgh, to seek the truth.”

Britain and many other countries have already gained enormous worldwide exposure through feature films – and the only direct costs are making places and facilities available to film makers. The Harry Potter films, Bridget Jones, Notting Hill and Braveheart – which is set in Scotland – are just a few of the films that have sent international visitors flocking to Britain.

At the same presentation, Martin Evans, director of UK consultancy The Tourism Business, drew attention to many countries that have benefited enormously from their role as film locations. via ITTFA