UAE Destinations Featured in Films See Massive Search Growth

A new Expedia report reveals UAE travelers are rushing to explore destinations featured in award-nominated films. Thailand emerged as the top searched destination with an astounding 285% surge after its appearance in a popular resort-based drama series. The report shows streaming services and TV shows influence 75% of UAE travelers’ destination choices. Movies continue to spark travel interest in destinations of all types. Malta attracted 175% more searches following its showcase in a historical epic. The local destination Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Oasis experienced an 85% year-over-year search increase after becoming a backdrop for a recent blockbuster. Rome and Vatican City’s appearance in a papal election thriller led to a 115% surge in travel searches.

Oscar Films Drive 285% Surge in Thailand Searches

Thailand’s film industry has become one of the most important drivers of international tourism. The Tourism and Sports Ministry works with the Culture Ministry to generate 7.5 billion baht through international film productions. The country’s focus on cinema-driven tourism has produced amazing results, especially among UAE travelers who want to visit locations from award-nominated productions.

UAE Residents Chase Cinematic Paradise

Four Seasons Koh Samui leads this cinematic tourism wave. The resort’s dramatic setting creates an atmosphere of intrigue with what locals call “the jungle’s eyes”. Hotels throughout Thailand now offer special packages for movie fans. The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok serves a signature White Lotus cocktail at its 1950s-style Bamboo Bar and traditional afternoon tea at The Author’s Lounge.

Minor Hotels now offers a creative “Lotus Awakening Escape Package” that costs AED 6,580.12. The package includes guided tours of Phuket’s cultural landmarks, special spa treatments, and themed dining experiences at three Anantara properties. These customized experiences show how Thailand makes use of information from movie exposure to boost tourism.

Record-Breaking Search Statistics

Screen tourism has strongly affected Thailand’s visitor numbers. Expedia’s data shows big year-over-year jumps in major destinations. Chiang Mai saw a 65% jump in flight searches. Phuket experienced a 45% increase, and Koh Samui showed a 30% rise. On top of that, home-rental platform Vrbo reported a 115% increase in vacation rental searches for Koh Samui.

The InterContinental Phuket Resort has seen an 18% increase in bookings from U.S. travelers. Koh Samui’s tourism infrastructure faces huge pressure – the island hosted 2.7 million tourists in 2023 with only 50,000 residents.

Thailand’s film industry’s economic value keeps growing steadily. It rose from 3.1 billion baht in 2017 to about 6.7 billion baht last year. The government improved its appeal to international productions by raising production cost cashback incentives from 15% to 20%. These changes have made Thailand a top choice for filmmakers and tourists, creating a win-win situation for both entertainment and tourism sectors.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s research shows that filming locations see a 30% increase in tourist visits within the first year after a production’s release. This trend has led to new travel packages and experiences that tap into screen tourism’s growing popularity.

Malta’s Ancient Forts Attract History Buffs

UAE travelers have shown remarkable interest in Malta’s ancient fortifications. Their searches jumped 175% after the Mediterranean island featured in several Oscar-nominated films. Malta’s largest defensive structure, Fort Ricasoli, built in the 17th century, stands as proof of the island’s military legacy.

175% Jump in Mediterranean Searches

Travelers can find rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott Sliema near Valletta’s seafront starting at AED500 per night. The 17th-century Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux in Mdina welcomes guests with four-night stays from AED1,674.

Historical Landmarks Draw Film Fans

Fort Ricasoli has become Malta’s cinematic crown jewel and serves as a backdrop for acclaimed productions. The fort’s architecture became ancient Rome in the original Gladiator. Craftsmen recreated Roman monuments including the Forum and Colosseum at this location. The structure later became the Gate of the Gods in Game of Thrones season one.

The Knights of St. John built Fort Manoel, which showcases Malta’s military engineering excellence. Major productions like World War Z and Assassin’s Creed used the fort’s stone walls and grand courtyard for key scenes.

Mdina’s medieval architecture became the mythic city of Troy. Malta’s dramatic sea caves and rugged cliffs created authentic settings for The Count of Monte Cristo. Santa Marija watchtower played the role of the French prison fortress of Château d’If.

Best Times to Visit Movie Locations

Movie buffs should plan their trips between April and June or September to October. These months create perfect weather conditions to explore Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This island nation holds the highest concentration of preserved heritage sites among all nation-states. Visitors can experience genuine historical settings throughout their stay.

Malta keeps attracting major productions thanks to its versatile landscapes and filming conditions. English-speaking film professionals and government incentives help propel the industry’s development. Natural beauty, historic architecture, and modern filming facilities make Malta a top choice for filmmakers and tourists alike.

Abu Dhabi’s Desert Landscapes Captivate Global Audiences

Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert has become a powerhouse for cinema, bringing the iconic desert planet Arrakis to life in multiple award-winning productions. Film crews captured scenes at 20 locations throughout the Liwa region. The production hired 300 local crew members, 250 international professionals, and 500 extras during a 27-day shoot.

Liwa Oasis Sees 85% Search Increase

The Empty Quarter’s flame-colored rolling deserts helped bring Denis Villeneuve’s vision to reality. Near the filming locations, the production team built an innovative desert village from repurposed containers that housed 150 people. Local authorities constructed a 30-kilometer road to move crew and equipment through the challenging terrain.

Abu Dhabi Film Commission worked with several organizations, including the Environmental Agency and Dhafra region’s municipalities, to keep production running smoothly. The commission’s 35% cashback rebate program drew more than 140 major productions to the emirate. This success has made Abu Dhabi a top choice for filming locations.

Local Tourism Benefits from International Exposure

Production teams boost the local economy by using transport, logistics, and accommodation services. The entertainment industry has become the emirate’s signature business, creating substantial tourism opportunities. Film crews rely on local production partners and specialized equipment providers for extensive support.

The Creative Media Agency aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a global creative hub instead of just a regional center. Their approach includes developing local talent by requiring their participation in international productions, which encourages skill development in production departments of all types.

Major productions filmed in Abu Dhabi showcase the emirate’s ability to handle large-scale projects. The mix of desert landscapes and reliable production infrastructure helps shoots stay on schedule. Through strategic collaborations and infrastructure investments, Abu Dhabi strengthens its position as a prime destination for filmmakers and tourists who want to experience these iconic locations firsthand.

Rome’s Sacred Sites Experience Post-Film Tourism Boom

Political thriller “Conclave” has thrust Vatican City into the global spotlight. UAE travelers now show more interest in religious and cultural experiences. The film’s detailed focus on liturgical elements and true-to-life portrayal of papal election traditions fascinates viewers worldwide.

Vatican City Searches Climb 115%

UAE searches for Vatican-related travel have jumped 115% according to Expedia. Travelers can book six-night stays at Hotel della Conciliazione, right next to St. Peter’s Basilica, starting at AED 4,096. The Orient Express La Minerva sits in a 17th-century palace close to the Trevi Fountain. This hotel blends new amenities with Rome’s traditional charm.

Religious Tourism Meets Cinema

Vatican Museums rank as Rome’s second most popular attraction with 5.5 million yearly visitors. Religious tourism brings significant economic benefits to Rome. About 16 million pilgrims visit each year, and international tourists make up 40% of these visitors.

The filmmakers struck a perfect balance between authenticity and creative expression. “Conclave” brings the Sistine Chapel and Domus Sanctae Marthae to life with precise detail. The Oscar-nominated production team approached the project as a thriller. They added modern touches like “cardinals on cellphones or vaping” while keeping Rome’s historic essence.

Peak Season Travel Tips

Cultural explorers should visit in January and February when gallery and museum lines are shorter. Rome comes alive in spring as flowers bloom and locals fill outdoor cafes. Summer heat peaks between noon and 6 PM, which can make both comfort and service quality suffer.

Easter brings thousands of pilgrims for three days of dedicated prayer and Vatican services. The Pope’s Easter Sunday Mass and ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica balcony comes with free reserved seats. The prestigious Rome International Film Festival takes over the Auditorium Parco della Musica each October. This eleven-day celebration draws international film stars from around the world.

Movies and films have become a significant factor in UAE travelers’ priorities. Oscar-nominated films now drive record-breaking destination searches. Thai tourism experienced a remarkable 285% surge in interest, while Malta’s ancient fortifications attracted 175% more searches. The majestic Liwa desert of Abu Dhabi saw an 85% increase in searches, which showcases the region’s importance as a filming destination.

Religious and cultural landmarks in Vatican City and Rome received 115% more search interest after their silver screen appearances. Entertainment media now shapes 75% of UAE residents’ travel decisions. Featured destinations receive lasting economic benefits from film-inspired tourism. Thailand’s strategic collaborations with international productions generated 7.5 billion baht effectively.

Movie magic turns everyday locations into compelling travel destinations. Viewers can now connect with their favorite films through unique travel experiences. Destinations actively adapt their tourism packages to meet film enthusiasts’ needs, and this trend continues to grow steadily.