Jurassic Park, Bridget Jones' Diary and One Day are among the trendiest new films and streaming series influencing where Australians holiday.
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The series White Lotus led a surge of holidaymakers to Italy and Thailand in recent years, but experts are predicting Aussies will flock to even more exciting filming locations in 2025 and beyond.
Stage and Screen, an arm of Flight Centre specialising in travel for the film and production industry, predicts set-jetting will go up a notch in 2025.
General Manager Australia Adam Moon said the impact of TV and film on travel decisions "and entire economies for that matter, cannot be overstated".
"Tourists have flocked to Taormina in Italy's Sicily and Maui in Hawaii, driven by their onscreen portrayals in The White Lotus, and Thailand is set to be the next destination to benefit as the show airs its third season from the Four Seasons Koh Samui," Mr Moon said.
"Both abroad and locally, film makers in Hollywood are looking to alternative destinations to diversify backdrops and save on cost of production."
Stage and Screen's top set-jetting holiday location predictions for 2025 are:
Peru - Paddington in Peru, released a few months ago, is shining a new light on Peruvian destinations and attracting families. Tour companies are spruiking Paddington Bear tours, with the promise of wildlife, culture, adventure, and fun.
Malta - Malta, an island off southern Europe, is seeing increased interest with the recent release of Gladiator 2 starring Paul Mescal. Malta is a convenient 95-minute flight to Rome, allowing tourists to continue the Gladiator-themed trip through the Colosseum and Roman landmarks.
USA's western states - The cowboy core travel trend is underway, with shows like Yellowstone and 1923 drawing crowds to the likes of Wyoming and Montana. Season 2 of 1923 aired in February 2025, and is set to reinvigorate travel to the great outdoors.
England - England's Manors and Castles have been home to the likes of Bridgerton, The Crown and Downton Abbey. Bridgerton Season 4 is under production and reportedly dropping in 2026, suspected to spark a tourism boost when it lands on screens.
New York - And Just Like That Season 3 will bolster Carrie Bradshaw's New York, when it's expected to be released this year.
Movies coming in 2025 that are expected to be set-jetting hits:
- Now You See Me - Antwerp, Belgium
- Jurassic Park: Rebirth - Malta
- Bridget Jones's Diary - London
Other recent movies:
- Romania, the set of multiple thrillers and horrors, such as Nosferatu, The Nun, Mirrors, Ghost Rider and Bram Stoker's Dracula.
- Jordan and Norway, for the filming of Dune
- Edinburgh, Scotland, for the meeting spot of One Day's Emma and Dex
Closer to home
Mr Moon said film tourism is also on the rise in Australia, a standout location for filmmakers due to its stunning landscapes.
Byron Bay became the set for Nine Perfect Strangers, inspired by Nicole Kidman's involvement. More recently, Sydney's iconic Harbour, Tamarama and Palm Beach played host to Anyone But You, starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell.
"We're noticing an uptick in overseas productions choosing Australian locations," he said.
"The cinematic landscapes in Australia are endless; there are the hotspots of Sydney Harbour, Whitsunday Islands, and Uluru, but there are even more little-known regions that are appealing to the major production houses we work with - whether it's Mount Macedon, Toowoomba, the Yarra Ranges, the Pilbara, or Clare Valley."
