Published on
September 12, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
France joins New Zealand, Croatia, the UK, and Thailand in a global film tourism boom, as The Summer I Turned Pretty, an American coming-of-age romantic drama television series created by author Jenny Han for Amazon Prime Video sends record flight searches to Paris soaring. The latest season of the show has sparked a surge in interest for Paris, with fans eager to explore the iconic locations featured in the series. As the world embraces film tourism, destinations like France, New Zealand, Croatia, the UK, and Thailand are seeing the powerful influence of media on travel. The growing trend is proving how films and TV series can transform cities into travel hotspots. From the stunning streets of Paris to the landscapes of New Zealand, the world is set to travel in the footsteps of their favorite on-screen moments. The release of The Summer I Turned Pretty is just one example of how screen tourism is reshaping the travel industry.
Film and television have always had a unique power to shape our dreams and desires. What happens when these shows and movies showcase beautiful locations or iconic landmarks? The answer is simple: screen tourism.
Screen tourism, or “set-jetting,” is when people travel to places they’ve seen in movies or TV shows. It’s a global trend that continues to grow. People are inspired by what they see on screen, whether it’s a historical castle, a charming city, or even a local coffee shop. This report dives into how films and TV series, particularly The Summer I Turned Pretty, have boosted tourism in France and other countries. It also looks at how popular shows and movies have driven travel to several filming locations worldwide.CountrySeries/Film NameTourism OutcomeFranceThe Summer I Turned PrettySurge in Paris flight searches by 211%, increased interest in Paris during Christmas period.FranceEmily in ParisSignificant rise in bookings to Paris, increased tourism to iconic Parisian landmarks.New ZealandLord of the RingsBoost in tourism, particularly in “Middle-earth” themed tours, showcasing stunning landscapes.CroatiaGame of ThronesIncreased tourism to Dubrovnik and Split, rise in “Game of Thrones” themed tours.SpainGame of ThronesIncrease in visits to locations like Alcázar of Seville, becoming hotspots for fans.IcelandGame of ThronesSignificant rise in tourism to wild landscapes featured in the show, particularly glaciers and volcanoes.ThailandThe White Lotus (Season 3)Boost in luxury tourism following the show’s filming in Thailand, expected to attract high-end visitors.United KingdomBridgertonEstimated £275 million boost to UK economy, significant increase in visitors to filming locations.
The Power of Film in Boosting Tourism: A New Era of Travel
Film and TV have long been considered one of the most powerful tools to influence tourism. For years, the landscapes and cities featured in popular media have become sought-after destinations for fans. But with the rise of social media, the power of film and TV to influence tourism has only grown stronger. From Game of Thrones to Emily in Paris, screen tourism is no longer a niche. It’s a global phenomenon.
Film tourism isn’t just about visiting movie sets. It’s about experiencing the places that have been immortalised on screen. These locations often hold a certain magic, which draws in tourists looking to feel the same excitement and wonder their favourite characters did. As a result, many countries have seen a surge in visitors due to these cinematic features.
France: A Star Destination for Film-Induced Tourism
France has long been one of the most famous destinations for film tourism. The country’s rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes have made it a frequent location for many major films. The impact of French cinema, combined with the increasing popularity of foreign series filmed in France, has driven a significant rise in tourism.
The Summer I Turned Pretty, an American coming-of-age romantic drama television series created by author Jenny Han for Amazon Prime Video is one of the recent examples of a TV show that is boosting French tourism. In the latest episode, the main character, Belly Conklin, visits Paris, which has sparked massive interest in the city. Paris, already one of the world’s most visited cities, has become even more alluring because of its appearance on screen. According to data from the French National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC), 80% of foreign tourists said that watching films and shows filmed in France made them more likely to visit the country.
Emily in Paris: Paris as a Global Icon
Emily in Paris, a popular Netflix series, is another example of a TV show that has significantly boosted tourism to France. The series has become a global phenomenon, with its portrayal of the Parisian lifestyle attracting millions of viewers. The show showcases the iconic landmarks of Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre, which encourages viewers to visit these spots themselves.
Tourism experts report that, after the release of each season of Emily in Paris, there is a noticeable spike in bookings to Paris. Many fans want to step into the shoes of the lead character, Emily, and experience the city’s unique charm. Popular tourist spots featured on the show, like the Louvre Museum, have seen a rise in visitors, as fans flock to these locations to get a glimpse of the world they saw on screen.
How The Summer I Turned Pretty Pushes Paris to New Heights
The impact of The Summer I Turned Pretty on Paris tourism is immense. With its new episode set in Paris, fans are flocking to Google to find out more about booking flights and holidays to the city. The portrayal of Paris during the festive Christmas period has made it even more appealing, as people dream of experiencing the magic of Christmas lights, holiday markets, and snowy streets.
Social media has played a huge role in amplifying this trend. Fans sharing pictures of themselves in Paris at the same locations where The Summer I Turned Pretty was filmed encourage others to follow suit. People want to relive the story of their favourite character in the same way, which increases the demand for flights, accommodations, and local tours. According to research, Google searches for “flights to Paris” surged by 211% after the latest episode aired, showing the direct link between the show’s popularity and the growing interest in travel to the city.
The Global Impact of TV Shows on Tourism: A Global Phenomenon
While France leads the way in film-induced tourism, many other countries have seen similar surges in visitors due to their appearances in popular media.
New Zealand: Middle-earth’s Everlasting Allure
New Zealand is another country that owes a large part of its tourism growth to film. The Lord of the Rings trilogy showcased the country’s dramatic landscapes, making it a bucket-list destination for fans of the films. The stunning hills, forests, and lakes that served as the backdrop for the story of Frodo Baggins have led to a steady increase in visitors from all over the world. New Zealand’s “Middle-earth” tours are a favourite among fans, allowing them to walk in the footsteps of the characters they grew to love on screen.
Croatia: A Game of Thrones Phenomenon
Another success story comes from Croatia, which experienced a tourism boom after being featured in Game of Thrones. Locations like Dubrovnik and Split became the backdrop for King’s Landing, and fans of the show couldn’t resist visiting these famous filming spots. Tour operators in Croatia quickly adapted by offering “Game of Thrones” tours, which took visitors to iconic locations featured in the series. This not only increased the number of tourists but also created new job opportunities in the tourism sector.
Spain: The Game of Thrones Influence Continues
Spain also benefited from its role as a filming location for Game of Thrones. The country’s beautiful regions, like the Alcázar of Seville, became famous for their appearances in the show. The immense popularity of the series led to a significant increase in tourism to these regions. In fact, some locations in Spain, like the medieval town of Osuna, became hotspots for fans eager to see where their favourite scenes were filmed.
Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland, another country featured in Game of Thrones, saw its tourism skyrocket after being showcased as the home of the wildlings and other mystical elements in the show. The country’s stark landscapes, volcanic terrain, and icy glaciers made it the perfect setting for the series. Iceland has capitalised on this by promoting the filming locations as part of its tourism campaigns. Today, thousands of visitors flock to Iceland every year to witness its unique natural beauty and to explore the places they’ve seen on screen.
The Future of Screen Tourism: Sustainable Practices
While film and TV series can have an undeniably positive impact on tourism, the rapid rise in visitors to these filming locations also presents challenges. The surge in tourists can put pressure on local infrastructure, cause overcrowding, and lead to environmental damage. Sustainable tourism practices are needed to ensure that these locations remain attractive and accessible for future generations.
For example, destinations such as Dubrovnik and Iceland have faced issues with overcrowding, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Local governments have started to take action by introducing visitor caps and promoting off-season tourism to reduce pressure on these locations. Sustainable tourism initiatives, such as eco-friendly tours and the promotion of less-visited destinations, are key to balancing the benefits of screen tourism with environmental and social responsibility.
The Growing Influence of Film and TV on Travel Choices
The rise of screen tourism is a clear sign of how film and TV shows are reshaping travel trends. Locations featured in popular series like The Summer I Turned Pretty, Emily in Paris, and Game of Thrones are becoming increasingly sought-after by travellers eager to experience the magic of these places in person. France, New Zealand, Croatia, Spain, and Iceland are just a few of the countries benefiting from this trend. However, while the economic benefits of screen tourism are undeniable, it is important to manage this influx of visitors responsibly to ensure that these destinations continue to thrive for years to come.
Film and television will continue to be powerful influences on tourism, helping to drive economic growth and cultural exchange. As the trend of screen tourism continues to grow, more countries are likely to see the benefits of being featured in popular media. It’s clear that the intersection of film, TV, and tourism has become an unstoppable force that shapes the way we travel, explore, and experience the world.
The release of the latest episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty has sparked a 211% increase in global searches for ‘flights to Paris’. This surge in interest follows the episode where Belly Conklin explores her new life in the romantic city during the Christmas season. As fans flock to Google for Paris getaways, the city is set to see its busiest festive period yet.
The Power of The Summer I Turned Pretty on Paris Tourism
The hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty has continued to captivate audiences, with its third season drawing in a record number of viewers. In the seven days following the season premiere on July 16, the show had a 40% higher global viewership than the previous season. As the latest episode features Paris, it’s no surprise that the series is now driving a major uptick in travel-related searches. In fact, experts from QR Code Generator predict that worldwide searches for ‘flights to Paris’ will rise by an astonishing 211% as fans look to explore the city where Belly’s Parisian adventure unfolds.
Paris in the Spotlight
Set against the enchanting backdrop of Paris, the episode has highlighted the magic of the city, especially during the Christmas season. Though specific filming locations remain unofficial, online footage and production permits suggest iconic areas like Rue Yves-Toudic and Île Saint-Louis have been featured. These locations, coupled with the festive season depicted in the show, have created a perfect storm for travel interest. Paris, already one of the most visited cities in the world, is now being propelled into the spotlight once again. Fans are eager to live out the experience of The Summer I Turned Pretty by booking winter holidays to the French capital.
The Rising Trend of The Summer I Turned Pretty Inspired Travel
Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator PRO S.L., points out the unique impact The Summer I Turned Pretty has on travel trends. Beyond just the allure of the Parisian scenes, the series has caused a surge in interest in anything featured on the show, from products like the Apple AirTag used by Belly to the red Gatorade drink used by Jeremiah. This phenomenon is not limited to the redirection of consumer interest towards products—it’s also extending to the destinations featured prominently in the series. The global interest in Paris, spurred by the show’s success, is a testament to how pop culture can shape and influence tourism.
Christmas in Paris: The Ultimate Travel Experience
The latest episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty sets its scenes around Christmas, offering a snapshot of Paris’s winter magic. For fans, this is an irresistible invitation to plan their own festive getaways. The timing couldn’t be better as the upcoming holiday season is just around the corner, prompting an increase in searches for winter flights to Paris. Paris’s Christmas charm, with its iconic Christmas markets, sparkling lights, and festive events, makes it a dream destination for travellers looking to experience the city’s enchanting winter atmosphere. Whether it’s strolling down the Champs-Élysées or enjoying a warm drink by the Seine, Paris offers a perfect winter getaway.
How The Summer I Turned Pretty is Changing Travel Dynamics
The rise of interest in Paris, thanks to The Summer I Turned Pretty, is a clear reflection of how popular media can directly influence the travel industry. Viewers often desire to immerse themselves in the places they see on screen, particularly in settings that evoke such strong emotions. In the case of The Summer I Turned Pretty, the romantic nature of the show and its depiction of Paris’s beauty are major contributors to this increased demand for flights. As Marc Porcar observes, the show’s impact goes beyond just a casual interest—it’s reshaping the way people view travel destinations. The episode’s focus on Paris has made it one of the most talked-about cities this year, with fans eager to experience it in person.
Paris Tourism: What to Expect this Christmas
With the surge in interest, Paris is set to have one of its busiest Christmas seasons. Tourists visiting the city will find themselves immersed in the magic of Christmas decorations, ice skating rinks, and holiday shopping. Major attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are likely to see increased foot traffic, with seasonal events adding an extra layer of charm to the visit. The series’s portrayal of Paris during the winter months has undoubtedly shaped fans’ perception of the city as an ideal holiday destination. As such, it’s clear that Paris is bracing for an influx of visitors eager to channel their inner Belly Conklin during the holidays.
QR Code Generator’s Role in Tracking Tourism Trends
QR Code Generator, which conducted the research on the surge in searches for flights to Paris, continues to be a leading force in tracking digital engagement and tourism trends. By analysing Google search data, they can pinpoint how pop culture phenomena like The Summer I Turned Pretty impact travel behaviour. The ability to track such significant spikes in searches allows travel and tourism industries to better prepare for demand, offering targeted marketing strategies to capitalise on trends. As The Summer I Turned Pretty continues to captivate its audience, it’s evident that the show is not only affecting product sales but also influencing global travel patterns, particularly in relation to Paris.
Conclusion: The Power of Pop Culture on Travel Trends
In conclusion, the release of The Summer I Turned Pretty has had a profound effect on Paris tourism, with global searches for ‘flights to Paris’ set to soar by 211%. This surge highlights how pop culture can significantly impact tourism, as fans look to visit iconic destinations featured in their favourite shows. With Paris in the spotlight during the festive season, the city is poised for one of its busiest Christmas periods yet, driven by the overwhelming influence of The Summer I Turned Pretty on global travel. Whether it’s the allure of Parisian streets or the magic of the Christmas season, it’s clear that the show has given the city a fresh wave of international interest.
