Movies and tourism generally go hand in hand. In the case of The Hobbit the Peter Jackson trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel of the same name, this fact is no different.
When a movie production picks a remote location for its shoot, the place tends to benefit not only from the name recognition that having a big studio around brings, but from having to house the cast and crew. Middle Earth as New Zealand is known to Tolkien fans is no different.
The massive endeavor of bringing this film to life has made the island an attractive vacation destination for followers. The country has seen an increase on its visitors numbers from prior years.
Figures made public by Tourism New Zealand indicate a 10 percent spike during the first four months of 2013, compared to the same time last year.
A government survey indicates that 8.5 percent of visitors cite the movie as the main reason they chose to visit the country. Most of them come with the intent to visit locations used during filming.
The Hobbit is an epic undertaking, that brings a huge ensemble of not only actors but crew members. Last year they were stationed in the island for around a year filming the majority of the production.
Since it’s such a long commitment, many actors have said that they moved their families as well for the duration. This translates into children going to New Zealand schools and homes needed for rent.
“We have seen an increased demand for New Zealand since The Hobbit was released and this is likely to continue into the new year,” said Nikki Davies, marketing director of the tour operator Trailfinders.
The fact that there are two more installments in the trilogy left to premiere in theaters this coming December and on December of 2014 can only mean that this trend indeed will continue.
The first installment The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was very well received by fans earning over $1 billion in box office revenues.
New Zealand can expect the visitors to keep coming as Jackson showcases the spectacular South Pacific locations in The Hobbit , set to open December 13.
[Image via Shutterstock]