The power of popular dramas goes beyond captivating viewers—it can also create a surge in tourism for the filming locations. A recent report from iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment service, highlights the correlation between the popularity of drama series and the increased interest in the places where they were filmed.
One such example is the iQIYI original Chinese series “To the Wonder,” which gained traction even before its official release. Trailers for the series garnered over 3.88 million views on social media platform Weibo. This early buzz translated into real-life visits to the Altay region, where the story is set. The region experienced a significant 37.92% increase in domestic visits during the initial three days of the holiday period, showcasing the impact of the series on tourism.
Another drama that saw a boost in viewership was the blockbuster series “The Knockout.” During the holiday period, viewing time for the series increased by 17%. This increased interest translated into real-life visits to its filming location, Jiangmen city in Guangdong province. The city welcomed 2.2 million visits, marking a 10.36% yearly rise.
This phenomenon demonstrates the influence that popular dramas can have on tourism. As viewers become emotionally invested in the stories and characters, they are inspired to visit the real-life locations where their favorite scenes were filmed. This not only benefits the tourism industry of these locations but also enriches the experience for fans, who can immerse themselves in the world of their beloved dramas.
The success of iQIYI’s dramas and its commitment to delivering high-quality content has been evident in the robust viewership across various genres. iQIYI has even unveiled over 300 new titles at its recent World Conference, catering to the growing demand for elevated aesthetic and emotional experiences. As viewers continue to be captivated by these dramas, we can expect more tourism boosts in the future, with fans eager to explore the real-world settings that have brought their favorite shows to life.
In addition to the information provided in the article, there are several facts and trends related to the subject of dramas inspiring travel and the associated tourism boosts:
Current market trends:
1. Global Influence: The impact of popular dramas on tourism is not limited to China. Internationally acclaimed dramas such as “Game of Thrones” and “Downton Abbey” have led to a surge in tourist visits to their filming locations in countries like Croatia, Northern Ireland, and England.
2. Collaborations between Tourism Boards and Production Companies: Tourism boards in various countries have recognized the potential of using popular dramas as a marketing tool and have actively collaborated with production companies to promote their filming locations. This cooperation has resulted in increased tourism and economic benefits for the regions.
Forecasts:
1. Continued Growth: The trend of dramas inspiring travel is likely to continue as streaming platforms continue to produce high-quality content that captures the attention of global audiences. With the increasing popularity of streaming services, more viewers have access to these dramas, leading to a broader reach and potentially more significant boosts to tourism.
2. International Audience: As streaming platforms expand their international presence, dramas from different countries are gaining popularity worldwide. This opens up new opportunities for tourism in lesser-known filming locations, as fans from all over the world are eager to visit the places they have seen in their favorite dramas.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
1. Overtourism: The sudden influx of tourists to previously lesser-known destinations can put a strain on infrastructure and local communities. Balancing the economic benefits of increased tourism with sustainable practices and preserving the authenticity of these locations becomes a significant challenge.
2. Environmental Impact: Increased tourist visits can have adverse effects on the environment, including overcrowding and pollution. This challenge requires careful management and planning to ensure the long-term sustainability of these locations.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
– Economic Growth: Dramas inspiring travel can bring significant economic benefits to the filming locations, including increased tourism revenue, job creation, and local business development.
– Cultural Exchange: The influx of tourists fosters cultural exchange between visitors and local communities, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
Disadvantages:
– Loss of Authenticity: Popular filming locations may experience a transformation to cater to the needs and expectations of tourists, potentially leading to the loss of their original charm and authenticity.
– Negative Impacts on Local Communities: The sudden increase in tourists can disrupt the daily lives of local residents and put pressure on public services and infrastructure.
For more information on this topic, you can visit the following link to a reputable source:
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