By Elaine Glusac

Feb. 23, 2018
For armchair travelers, a film may be the best way to get to, say, Italy — or, if you’re a “Star Wars” fan, the planet of Ahch-to. But for those who actually like to get on a plane, a movie’s location can determine an entire itinerary.

In fact, films and television shows often serve, long after the fact, to drive tourism.

Roughly 60 million people annually choose travel destinations based on what they see on big and small screens, according to Stefan Roesch, the author of “The Experiences of Film Location Tourists” and the director of FilmQuest, which offers tours to film locations.

Some films attract travelers based on their connection to place. “Sideways,” the 2004 film set in the California wine country outside of Santa Barbara, created a tourism boom that still resonates today, particularly around Buellton, which is home to several “Sideways” locations.