Latest research reveals popular travel patterns among Gen Z and millennial generations
Top Nine Fandom Travel Destinations for Gen Z and Millennial Travelers
A survey revealed that 12% of Gen Z and millennial travelers are drawn to "fandom travel" or "set jetting," traveling to destinations associated with their favorite TV shows or movies. Here are the top nine destinations that these travelers want to visit the most:
- New York City, USA – Known for its numerous movie and TV show appearances, NYC tops the trending destination list with landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square attracting fans.
- Singapore – This city, famous for its striking architecture and cultural attractions, has made the trending destination list due to its cinematic appeal and diverse experiences.
- Hobbiton, New Zealand – The movie set for The Lord of the Rings is a beloved destination, seeing a 50% increase in tours searched by fans fascinated by the film locations.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia – Gaining fame as a key filming location for Game of Thrones, it has seen an 83% rise in related tourist searches over the past year.
- Seoul, South Korea – Attracting visitors especially due to TV hits like Squid Game and movies like Parasite, it offers a blend of vibrant city life and film tourism appeal.
- Twin Peaks Region, Washington State, USA – The Snoqualmie Valley and North Bend areas are famous for the cult TV show Twin Peaks, offering events, tours of iconic locations, and themed celebrations.
- Lake Tahoe, USA – Though not a film location highlighted specifically for set-jetting, it is a popular travel destination from general trends for adventure and natural beauty, often featured in movies.
- Asheville, North Carolina, USA – Known for the Biltmore Estate, a location featured in various shows and movies, it appeals to tourists looking both for scenic beauty and cultural history.
- Brazil (specific cities unnamed) – Brazil's dynamic culture and lively cities have been noted as emerging spots for film tourism, attracting international visitors, including younger travelers.
Other popular fandom travel destinations include:
- Paris, France – Visitors can take a stroll along cobblestone streets, indulge in delectable pastries, and immerse themselves in the Parisian culture depicted on the screen.
- Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA – Tourists can explore eerie landscapes and iconic filming sites seen in the series Stranger Things.
- Kauai's Keahua Arboretum, Hawaii – The opportunity to immerse themselves in the otherworldly landscapes depicted in the film Avatar draws 24% of respondents to this location.
- Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA – Similar to the characters in Outer Banks, 15% of survey-takers want to explore this destination.
- Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii – From the survey, 29% of respondents are eager to explore this location, known for its role in Jurassic Park.
- New Zealand – 23% of travelers dream of visiting this country, famously featured in Lord of the Rings.
- Kihei, Hawaii and Sicily, Italy – 17% of respondents are drawn to the picturesque landscapes of these locations, as showcased in the series White Lotus.
- 7% are willing to spend between $4,000 and $5,000 on a fandom travel trip.
- Many Gen Z and millennial travelers are attracted to vacationing at locations associated with their favorite movies and TV shows, called "fandom travel" or "set jetting."
- The Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square in New York City are popular spots among fandom travelers due to the city's numerous movie and TV show appearances.
- The increase in tours searched by fans fascinated by the film locations has led to a 50% rise in tourism for Hobbiton, New Zealand, the movie set for the Lord of the Rings.
- The vibrant city life and film tourism appeal of Seoul, South Korea, has attracted visitors due to TV hits like Squid Game and movies like Parasite.
