Film tourism and the sustainable development of destinations: case studies of New Zealand and Dubrovnik

Film tourism is a form of selective tourism that is gaining increasing importance in the global development of tourism industry. In addition to entertaining
viewers, films and TV series contribute to the promotion of destinations, influence the shaping of a destination’s image, and increase tourism demand. This paper examines the impact of the film industry on tourism, considering the economic, marketing, infrastructural, environmental, and social aspects of a specific destination. The paper also investigates the role of film in the development of tourism through its influence on a destination’s image, tourist demand, and economic growth, and aims to identify the key factors that contribute to the sustainable development of film tourism. The research aim was achieved by applying methods of desk research, content analysis, and case studies of New Zealand (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy) and Dubrovnik (TV series Game of Thrones). The results showed that film tourism is an important form of tourism for the development of a destination, which contributes to the sustainable development of a destination if managed responsibly, with the involvement of the local community and the application of sustainable practices.