The Connection Between Storytelling and Place
Television shows often create strong emotional connections with audiences. Viewers spend hours immersed in fictional worlds, and the locations featured on screen become part of that experience. When a series highlights a distinctive setting, audiences may begin to associate the place with the emotions and memories tied to the show. According to BuzzFeed, this connection can be powerful enough to inspire travel, with fans seeking to step into the same spaces they saw on screen.
The phenomenon is sometimes called “screen tourism.” It describes the way real‑world locations gain popularity after being featured in film or television. Unlike theme parks or constructed sets, these are authentic places that existed before the show but gained new meaning through their association with a story. For example, the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland became a major attraction after appearing in the Harry Potter films, with visitors eager to ride the same steam train shown on screen.
This blending of fiction and reality helps explain why TV locations resonate so strongly. The setting becomes more than a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, shaping the story and leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Economic and Cultural Impact
When a TV location becomes popular with fans, the surrounding community often experiences an increase in tourism. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses benefit from the influx of visitors. Dubrovnik, Croatia, for example, saw a surge in tourism after being used as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. According to SplashTravels, the city’s medieval walls and coastal views became instantly recognizable to millions of viewers, turning it into a global destination.
This type of tourism can also create cultural pride. Residents may feel a sense of recognition when their hometown is featured on screen, and local governments sometimes invest in preserving or promoting these sites. Guided tours, themed events, and museums dedicated to the show often emerge, reinforcing the connection between the location and its fictional counterpart.
However, the economic impact is not always straightforward. While increased tourism can bring revenue, it can also strain infrastructure or disrupt daily life for residents. Communities must balance the benefits of visibility with the challenges of managing large numbers of visitors.
The Role of Authenticity
Authenticity plays a key role in why certain TV locations attract visitors. Audiences are drawn to places that look and feel like the settings they saw on screen. When a location is easily recognizable, it creates a sense of continuity between the fictional world and the real one. For example, New York City landmarks featured in Sex and the City tours allow fans to connect directly with the show’s urban backdrop.
In some cases, the authenticity of a location is enhanced by its history or architecture. Castles, historic towns, or natural landscapes often carry their own cultural significance, which adds depth to their on‑screen portrayal. This layered meaning makes the visit more rewarding, as travelers experience both the fictional association and the real‑world heritage.
Even when sets are constructed or altered for filming, fans often seek out the real places used as foundations. The combination of recognition and authenticity helps explain why some locations become enduring attractions while others fade from memory.
Social Media and Fan Communities
The rise of social media has amplified the appeal of TV locations. Fans share photos of themselves at filming sites, creating a cycle of visibility that encourages others to visit. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok turn these locations into backdrops for personal storytelling, blending individual experiences with collective fandom.
Fan communities also play a role in sustaining interest. Online groups organize meetups, tours, and events at filming locations, reinforcing the sense of belonging that comes from shared appreciation. These gatherings transform individual travel into a communal experience, deepening the connection between fans and the location.
According to Leah Ingram, destinations such as New Zealand, which hosted The Lord of the Rings films, have built entire tourism industries around fan engagement. The combination of social media visibility and organized fan activity ensures that interest in these locations remains strong long after the show has ended.
Emotional Resonance and Memory
Television shows often mark specific moments in people’s lives. A series watched during childhood, adolescence, or a significant life event can carry deep emotional weight. Visiting a filming location allows fans to reconnect with those memories in a tangible way. The place becomes a bridge between personal history and cultural storytelling.
This emotional resonance explains why some locations remain popular even decades after a show has ended. For example, Salzburg, Austria, continues to attract visitors because of its association with The Sound of Music, despite the film being released in 1965. The combination of nostalgia and cultural familiarity keeps the location relevant across generations.
By visiting these sites, fans are not only engaging with the show but also with their own memories. The experience becomes both personal and collective, reinforcing the enduring appeal of screen tourism.
Sustainability and the Future of Screen Tourism
As screen tourism grows, questions about sustainability have become more pressing. Communities must consider how to manage visitor numbers while preserving the integrity of the location. Overcrowding, environmental impact, and cultural preservation are all factors that influence how destinations approach this type of tourism.
Some locations have responded by creating structured tours or limiting access to sensitive areas. Others have embraced the opportunity by developing infrastructure that supports both residents and visitors. The goal is to ensure that the benefits of tourism are balanced with the need to protect cultural and natural resources.
Looking ahead, the popularity of streaming platforms suggests that screen tourism will continue to expand. With shows filmed in diverse locations around the world, new destinations are likely to emerge as tourist attractions. The challenge will be to manage this growth in ways that respect both the communities involved and the fans who wish to visit.
