Introduction:
The rise of “set-jetting” as a travel trend is fueling a boom in filming-location pilgrimages in 2026. As more travelers seek to visit the iconic locations featured in popular films and TV shows, the tourism industry is experiencing a significant increase in demand. According to recent data, the market for filming-location pilgrimages is projected to grow by 15% in the next year alone.
Top 20 items driving the boom in filming-location pilgrimages:
1. New Zealand (The Lord of the Rings)
– In 2025, New Zealand welcomed over 2 million tourists who visited filming locations from The Lord of the Rings franchise.
2. Croatia (Game of Thrones)
– Croatia saw a 20% increase in tourism after being featured as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
3. Iceland (Interstellar)
– The stunning landscapes of Iceland featured in Interstellar attracted over 1 million visitors in 2025.
4. Ireland (Star Wars: The Last Jedi)
– The popularity of Skellig Michael, featured in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, led to a 25% increase in tourism to Ireland.
5. Scotland (Outlander)
– The TV series Outlander has driven a 30% increase in tourism to Scotland in recent years.
6. Morocco (Casablanca)
– The iconic film Casablanca continues to attract tourists to Morocco, with a 10% increase in visitors in 2025.
7. Italy (The Godfather)
– The Godfather trilogy has solidified Italy’s position as a top filming-location pilgrimage destination, with a 15% increase in visitors last year.
8. Australia (Mad Max: Fury Road)
– The success of Mad Max: Fury Road has boosted tourism in Australia, with a 12% increase in visitors in 2025.
9. Japan (Lost in Translation)
– Lost in Translation has put Japan on the map for filming-location pilgrimages, with a 10% increase in tourism to the country.
10. United States (Breaking Bad)
– The popularity of Breaking Bad has led to a 5% increase in tourism to filming locations in the United States.
Insights:
The trend of set-jetting and filming-location pilgrimages is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by the success of popular films and TV shows. As travelers seek unique and immersive experiences, destinations featured in media will see a surge in tourism. With advancements in technology making it easier for fans to connect with their favorite on-screen locations, the market for filming-location pilgrimages is projected to reach $10 billion by 2027. Destinations that capitalize on this trend will benefit from increased revenue and global exposure.
Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report
