We have all known that novels and books have the capability to take us where we want to go, without having to move an inch. But if latest trends are anything to go by, then some of the more famous books are seen as the reason why tourist are flocking a place, just to relive the ambiance in which their favorite movies were set. The most famous instance is that of Breakfast at Tiffany’s where the 1961 movie showed Audrey Hepburn portray the role of Holly Golightly. Actually a poll established that 37% of the women visitors went to the Big Apple, simply because that’s where the movie was primarily set in.
Other destinations, like New Zealand for example, saw a influx of tourists who were there to relive the settings in which the 2nd Lord of the Rings movie was based. Some 15% of the men visited New Zealand visited precisely for the movie alone.
Other such novels have established similar trends. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series used Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, creating an interest among the young readers to visit the place. Alex Garland’s the Beach, which was later turned into a movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The author had managed to give Thailand’s tourism a bit of boost with the setting of his story.
Looking at the trend, one begins to wonder if this is going to be the new way out of promoting tourism and business at a destination, and called ‘Literary marketing’? If the work of an author gets the backing of a well known motion picture, it seems the trickle down effect is tremendous. However, what remains to be seen is how many would be prepared to take the long route of publicity.
