The Economic and Cultural Contribution of Film Tourism: The Case of Turkey

The Economic and Cultural Contribution of Film Tourism: The Case of Turkey Sait YARDIMCI, Field Producer & Chairman of Turkish Film Commission

Introduction

Film tourism has become a powerful driver of economic growth and cultural exchange by combining the worlds of entertainment and travel. With the rise of global digital platforms and blockbuster film franchises, locations featured in movies and TV series have transformed into popular tourist attractions, bringing significant revenue to local economies. This phenomenon is not limited to Hollywood productions; many countries around the world have capitalized on their unique natural beauty and cultural heritage to become attractive film production hubs.

With its rich history, diverse geography, and strategic location, Turkey has enormous potential to tap into film tourism. This article explores the dynamics of film tourism, its socio-economic impact, and how Turkey can take steps to further advance in this growing sector. By drawing from global examples and Turkey’s own experiences, the aim is to provide a comprehensive perspective on how the country can optimize its film tourism strategy.

The Global Rise of Film Tourism

Film tourism gained global momentum in the late 20th century with productions like Star Wars (1977) and The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003). The Lord of the Rings films, shot in New Zealand, sparked a tourism boom, leading to the permanent inclusion of "Middle Earth" tours in the country’s tourism portfolio. Similarly, Croatia’s city of Dubrovnik saw a 10% annual increase in tourism after it was featured as "King’s Landing" in the Game of Thrones series.

The economic benefits of film tourism are not limited to ticket sales or short-term visitor spikes. Successful film tourism initiatives drive long-term investments in local infrastructure, job creation, and leave a lasting legacy for the communities involved. The branding of a country or city through film has become one of the most effective place marketing strategies that can deliver immediate and measurable results.

The Economic Impact of Film Tourism

The economic benefits of film tourism are far-reaching. During a production, expenditures on locations, accommodation, local talent, and services directly contribute to the regional economy. For example, productions like Taken 2 (Istanbul) and Skyfall (Istanbul and Fethiye) in Turkey not only injected funds into local businesses but also helped raise awareness of the country as a film production hub.

In my role as a Field Producer, I have had the privilege of contributing to numerous international projects, highlighting the economic and cultural benefits of this process. I have worked on projects for major global channels such as Discovery Channel, History Channel, and NHK Japan. These projects have promoted Turkey’s historical and cultural treasures, as well as its natural beauty, to a global audience. For example, while working on Discovery Channel's MYSTERIES OF THE ABANDONED, we showcased the unique landscapes of Cappadocia to a worldwide audience. Similarly, ABANDONED ENGINEERING for the History Channel highlighted Turkey’s historical and architectural treasures, while the projects I worked on with NHK Japan featured cultural heritage sites like Pamukkale and Ephesus.

These projects not only contributed to local economies but also helped establish long-term tourist attractions. Particularly, regions like Cappadocia and Pamukkale have gained strategic importance in terms of film tourism due to these productions and have attracted significant interest from tourists.

The Cultural and Social Dimensions of Film Tourism

Beyond its economic benefits, film tourism promotes cultural exchange and helps preserve local heritage. Through film, international audiences are introduced to new cultures, traditions, and histories, sparking curiosity and encouraging deeper engagement with destinations. This is a significant opportunity for a country like Turkey, whose cultural and historical significance spans millennia.

However, film tourism must be managed carefully. Uncontrolled tourism can lead to "overtourism," putting pressure on local resources and risking the loss of cultural authenticity. It is crucial for local communities and government bodies to adopt a balanced approach that promotes film tourism while preserving the cultural and environmental integrity of the region.

Cappadocia serves as a strong example of this delicate balance. As one of Turkey’s most famous film and tourism destinations, Cappadocia has drawn millions of tourists due to its frequent appearances in international films and TV shows. However, implementing sustainable tourism strategies is crucial to prevent the destruction of the region’s fragile ecosystems and to ensure that its cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.

Turkey’s Potential to Become a Global Film Tourism Hub

Turkey has the potential to become a global leader in film tourism. The country’s diverse range of landscapes, from historical sites to natural wonders and modern cities, offers filmmakers a wide variety of shooting environments. Additionally, Turkey’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it an attractive base for international productions.

Turkey has already hosted many high-profile international productions. Films like Inferno (2016), The Water Diviner (2014), and Argo (2012) showcased the country’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage to a global audience, revealing Turkey’s potential in film tourism. These projects not only generated significant revenue but also sparked increased tourist interest in the locations where they were filmed.

In addition to feature films, Turkey has been a focal point for a wide range of documentary and television series productions. My work as a Field Producer includes contributions to several major projects for channels like Discovery Channel, History Channel, and NHK Japan. These projects, including MYSTERIES OF THE ABANDONED and ABANDONED ENGINEERING, introduced global audiences to Turkey’s extraordinary natural and historical landmarks, from Cappadocia to Pamukkale.