Asia's tourism sector is witnessing a cinematic revolution as film-themed travel surges in popularity, particularly during this year's combined National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays. From lush mountain ranges featured in fantasy blockbusters to urban landmarks immortalized in romantic dramas, destinations across the continent are attracting visitors eager to walk in the footsteps of their favorite movie characters.
Industry analysts note the trend gained momentum following successful collaborations between tourism boards and filmmakers. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China's Hunan Province, famous as the inspiration for Avatar's floating mountains, reported a 40% year-on-year increase in visitors. Similar spikes were observed at Seoul's Namsan Tower and Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine following their prominent appearances in popular K-dramas and anime films.
For business professionals, this trend presents new opportunities in hospitality and retail sectors. Many local governments are now offering tax incentives for film productions that showcase regional landmarks, creating a symbiotic relationship between cultural promotion and economic growth.
Asian diaspora communities have particularly embraced this form of cultural tourism, with travel agencies reporting increased demand for ‘movie location pilgrimage’ packages. "Seeing familiar landscapes through cinematic lenses helps us connect with our heritage while sharing it with the world," noted Singapore-based travel consultant Mei Ling Tan.
As travelers increasingly seek immersive experiences, experts predict this trend will reshape Asia's tourism strategies, blending storytelling with destination marketing to create lasting emotional connections with visitors.
