The Impact of TV Shows on Travel: How The White Lotus Effect is Changing Tourism

Image credits: Fabio Lovino

The rise of streaming platforms has led to a significant increase in the impact of TV shows on travel trends. One such show that has been making waves in the travel industry is The White Lotus, a black comedy-drama that satirizes the excesses of the rich and the struggles of the staff in a luxurious resort setting. The show's success has led to a phenomenon known as the "White Lotus effect," where fans of the show are inspired to travel to the destinations featured in the series.

The show's third season, which was filmed in Thailand, has already led to a surge in interest in travel to the country, with booking platforms reporting a 40% spike in booking interest for the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, one of the filming locations. This is not an isolated incident, as the show's previous seasons have also had a significant impact on tourism in the destinations where they were filmed. For example, the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Taormina, Sicily, where season two was filmed, reported being booked out for six months after the show aired, and the original White Lotus, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Hawaii, saw a 425% uptick in website visits and a 386% increase in availability checks.

The show's executive producer, Mark Kamine, has spoken about the challenges of choosing a filming location, and how the show's success has given them the freedom to choose locations that reflect the story they want to tell, rather than making financial compromises. Kamine has also noted that the show's team is aware of the impact that filming has on future bookings and the local tourism scene, and that they keep in touch with hotel managers from previous series to monitor the effects of the show on tourism. The impact of the show on tourism is not limited to the destinations where it is filmed, as it also creates a new trend known as "set-jetting," where fans of the show travel to destinations featured in the series, often in search of a luxurious and exotic experience.

The phenomenon of set-jetting is not unique to The White Lotus, as other TV shows and movies have also had a significant impact on tourism. For example, the Lord of the Rings and The Sound of Music have been credited with boosting tourism in New Zealand and Austria, respectively. However, the rise of streaming platforms has made it easier for fans to discover new destinations and plan their trips, and has created a new level of engagement between audiences and the destinations featured in their favorite shows. The effect of set-jetting on local economies and communities is also an important consideration, as it can bring in significant revenue and create new opportunities for local businesses, but it can also lead to overtourism and strain on local resources.

In terms of technical specifications, the show's filming locations are often chosen for their luxury and exoticism, and the show's team works closely with local hotel managers and tourism boards to ensure that the filming process has a positive impact on the local community. Some of the key features of the show's filming locations include: * Luxury resorts and hotels, such as the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok * Exotic destinations, such as Thailand and Hawaii * High-end amenities and activities, such as spa treatments and water sports * A focus on showcasing the local culture and community, through the use of local actors and crew members, and the incorporation of traditional music and dance into the show.