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Tourists go on location
Prior to the 50th Cinema Days event, being held in Milton Keynes this week, VisitBritain chief executive Tom Wright paid tribute to the role films play in attracting tourists to Britain.
“One in five visitors are inspired to holiday in Britain because of a film they have seen,” he said.
“Today, film tourism is a growing global phenomenon creating a new breed of tourist, the jet-setter.“
In preparation for Cinema Days, more than 2,000 journalists were asked to vote for which films they felt had made the most atmospheric use of British locations.
Topping a list of 40 movies was 1983’s Local Hero, set in Aberdeenshire, followed by 1997’s The Full Monty (Sheffield), 1996’s Trainspotting (Edinburgh) and 1970’s The Railway Children (Yorkshire).
“These 40 films and more have helped to showcase the essence of Britain’s varied destinations, our culture and our landmarks,” said Wright.
“Many locations experience a 54 per cent increase in visits up to five years after a film release.”
Photograph: Sheffield; location for 1997 film, The Full Monty