Set-jetting' boost for UK film tourism

'Set-jetting' - where travellers visit the locations of popular films - has been identified as a growth area for UK tourism.

National tourism agency VisitBritain says film tourism is an increasingly popular holiday option, spurred by movie blockbusters shot in locations across the UK.

The organisation estimates that 40% of potential visitors are "very likely" to visit places featured in films or television.

VisitBritain chief executive Tom Wright said: "Set-jetting is a great way of marketing a destination and Britain's popularity as a location for many of the biggest films has helped VisitBritain to lead the way in capitalising on this 'screen magic'.

"If the right film is chosen, it acts as free advertising for a destination, location or attraction; shown to millions of people around the world."

Next year sees the release of the Half Blood Prince, the penultimate film instalment in the Harry Potter series of films, which was filmed in Scotland, London and Wiltshire.

Also due in cinemas is The Young Victoria, which features Lincoln Cathedral doubling as Westminster Abbey for the re-enactment of Queen Victoria's coronation, together with Arundel and Belvoir castles; Brighton and Hampton Court Palace.

Keira Knightly will star in The Duchess, a period piece including scenes filmed at the National Maritime Museum, Somerset House, Chatsworth House, Bristol's Old Vic theatre, Bath and West Wycombe Park. The actress will also appear in The Edge of Love, with key scenes in Wales.

The blockbuster Batman sequel The Dark Knight uses locations in Liverpool, Chertsey and Longcross in Surrey as well as Battersea Power Station, the Criterion Theatre, University of Westminster and Piccadilly Circus in London.

The latest James Bond film is also set for release on November 7, 2008, although UK locations are unconfirmed.

Newly released fantasy film The Golden Compass, starring Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman, includes locations from Oxford's colleges and Pitt-Rivers Museum to Bourne Woods in Farnham and the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. By Phil Davies Travel Mole website.

Published: 30.11.2007