According to a recent report by Expedia, UAE travel searches are increasingly influenced by the allure of award-nominated films and acclaimed television series. As viewers are captivated by the stunning locations showcased in these productions, they subsequently seek to explore these destinations themselves, resulting in notable spikes in travel interest.
The travel company has documented significant increases in interest in locations that have appeared on screen, from Abu Dhabi’s desert landscapes to Thailand’s coastal regions.
UAE Travellers Flock to Film and TV Locations
Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Oasis, a breathtaking backdrop for a recent blockbuster, has seen an 85 percent year-over-year increase in searches from UAE travellers. This remarkable trend highlights how cinema can shape travel aspirations.
Meanwhile, Malta, which graced the screen in a historical epic about a Roman gladiator, registered a staggering 175 percent increase in searches. The Mediterranean island’s Fort Ricasoli, Fort Delimara, and Fort Manoel have now become significant points of interest for film enthusiasts and travellers alike.
In addition, Amsterdam’s picturesque tulip fields, reminiscent of scenes from a Broadway musical adaptation, have ignited a 165 percent rise in searches. This vibrant season attracts visitors who wish to partake in the April Amsterdam Tulip Festival.
Rome and Vatican City, recently depicted in a thriller centered around a papal election, have also experienced a notable 115 percent uptick in searches. Although the Sistine Chapel scenes were filmed in a studio, visitors can still marvel at the actual site housed within the Vatican Museum.
New York City, prominently featured in a film about a folk music legend, has seen a 70 percent rise in search inquiries. On a larger scale, Thailand—the setting for a new season of a resort-based drama series—has recorded the most substantial increase at an impressive 285 percent.
Seoul, South Korea, which gained fame through its captivating survival drama, has also seen a 95 percent increase in searches. These compelling stories resonate with audiences and ignite a desire for exploration.
Expedia noted the optimal times to visit these destinations: November to April for Abu Dhabi, April to June or September to October for Malta, March to May for Amsterdam, March to May for Rome, April to June for New York, November to May for Thailand, and April to June for Seoul.