The White Lotus Effect: How TV Shows Influence Travel and Tourism

Image credits: Four Seasons Koh Samui

The release of The White Lotus season three has sparked a surge in interest in travel to Thailand, with booking platforms and airlines reporting increased searches and bookings. This phenomenon, known as the "White Lotus effect," is not unique to this show, as other TV series and films have also been known to influence travel decisions. The impact of TV shows on tourism is a growing trend, with streaming platforms and social media playing a significant role in shaping travel choices.

According to screen tourism specialist Seren Welch, the influence of TV shows on travel decisions has increased significantly over the years, with nine in 10 visitors to the UK now being influenced by what they have seen in film and TV. This rise is attributed to the prevalence of streaming platforms, which have made it easier for viewers to access and engage with content from around the world. The opportunity to binge-watch shows and films has led to a more immersive experience, with viewers often seeking to visit the locations and destinations featured in their favorite shows.

The White Lotus, in particular, has been a driving force behind the surge in interest in travel to Thailand, with its stunning filming locations and luxurious resorts. The show's executive producer, Mark Kamine, has spoken about the challenges of choosing filming locations, citing factors such as budget, practicality, and aesthetics. The show's success has also led to a significant increase in bookings and interest in the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, one of the main filming locations. Other resorts, such as the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, have also been featured in the show, and are expected to experience a similar surge in interest.

The impact of TV shows on tourism is not limited to The White Lotus, with other shows such as Yellowstone and Stranger Things also driving interest in travel to specific destinations. The trend of "set-jetting," where fans visit filming locations and destinations featured in their favorite shows, is becoming increasingly popular. This phenomenon has led to a significant increase in tourism revenue for destinations featured in popular TV shows and films, with some locations experiencing a surge in bookings and interest. For example, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, which was featured in the first season of The White Lotus, reported a 425% increase in website visits and a 386% increase in availability checks.

Some of the key features and amenities of the resorts featured in The White Lotus include: * Luxurious villas and private residence rentals * Stunning natural beauty and rich cultural settings * World-class spas and wellness facilities * Award-winning dining options * Easy access to local attractions and activities The surge in interest in travel to Thailand and other destinations featured in The White Lotus is expected to continue, with the show's success and popularity driving a new wave of tourism and travel. As the trend of "set-jetting" continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how destinations and tourism boards respond to the increased demand and interest in travel to filming locations and destinations featured in popular TV shows and films. With the impact of TV shows on tourism expected to continue, it is likely that we will see more destinations and resorts experiencing a surge in bookings and interest in the coming years.