How to visit places from 007, White Lotus and The Last of Us – 05/06/2023 – Tourism

From the post-apocalyptic desolation of “The Last of Us” series to the glamorous European destinations seen in the James Bond films, one source of travel inspiration is gaining popularity now that the restrictions imposed by the pandemic are being lifted: the fictional worlds of film and television.

The “set-jetting” –a proposal that plays with the idea contained in the expression “jet-set”—, will influence the choice of travel destinations this year, analysts say. The number of searches referring to filming locations for movies and TV shows has skyrocketed, and entertainment is expected to become the main source of inspiration for travelers, according to surveys by online travel companies such as Expedia.

In response, tourist venues, operators and even production companies are striving to offer new experiences that allow people to engage with their favorite fictional worlds. The provincial government of Alberta, Canada, is preparing a map of filming locations that “The Last of Us” devotees will be able to visit when traveling by car.

But there is perhaps nothing quite as immersive and extravagant as a new series of James Bond-themed private tours.

They include a high-speed trip down the River Thames using a speedboat just like the one used in the movie “The World Is Not Enough”; a yacht trip through the waters off the Côte d’Azur, and to the Monte Carlo casino, in a boat like the one used in “007 Against Goldeneye”; and a helicopter ride over the snowy peaks of the Alps in Austria, where “007 Contra Specter” was filmed, accompanied by Chris Corbould, a veteran of special effects.

People are as drawn to the film’s locations as they are to the plot, said Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato, a travel agency that operates in New York and London and was hired by the production company of the James Bond films, EON Productions. , to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first film in the franchise, “007 Against the Satanic Dr. No”, in 2022.

The purpose of the trips, Marchant said, was an “unparalleled” immersion in the world of 007. The cost? From US$18,500 (R$91,44) per person for a five-night experience, and from US$73,500 (R$363,280) per person for the full 12 days.

The desire to be immersed in fictional worlds has also been noticed by streaming companies like Netflix, which is expanding its calendar of interactive events (whose prices are much more affordable). Contestants are given an opportunity to dress up as characters and become involved in plot lines from shows such as “Bridgerton” and “Stranger Things.”

Among the biggest beneficiaries of screen tourism this year, travel consultants say, is the city of Taormina, Sicily, where the second season of HBO’s “The White Lotus” is set. A themed tour, priced at US$7,500 (R$37,000) and lasting for a week, was so popular that it sold out months in advance, according to Quiiky Travel, a tour operator that serves LGBTQIA+ clients.

Web traffic to the website of the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, the hotel that serves as the series’ location, grew by more than 60% after the episodes aired.

Bow ties and champagne

Hardcore James Bond fans looking for an adrenaline rush can learn how to replicate fight sequences from Lee Morrison, a stunt coordinator and Craig’s former stunt double in London. Or they can hear stories about the shoot told by Carole Ashby, a British actress who appeared in “007 Against Octopussy” and “007 in the Crosshairs”, at a dinner in Paris.

They will also be able to indulge in the brands featured in Bond’s world, including a visit to an Aston Martins workshop (the spy’s favorite car) in Millbrook, England, and a private tour of Bollinger Vineyards (the spy’s favorite champagne), in the village of Ay, France.

And finally, there’s the most luxurious tour offering: a 12-night trip called The Assignment, priced from $73,500 (£100,000) per person, which starts in London and takes travelers to five locations across Europe, ending in Venice.

For Bond fans living on lower budgets, there are other options. Rob Woodford, a former taxi driver in the UK who leads tours based on popular movies and television series, is looking forward to a busy year. Their James Bond-themed tours try to include elements from most of the 25 films in the series.

This year, he’s considering partnering with a speedboat factory to recreate the suspenseful scene from “The World Is Not Enough.” “Wouldn’t that be a good idea?” he said, adding: “Everyone needs to reinvent themselves a little bit.”

The New York Times, translated by Paulo Migliacci