Henri Chelhot on Iconic Movie Destinations 2025
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/03/15
Henri Chelhot is the CEO of FlightHub and a travel expert at Momentum Ventures. With extensive experience in the travel industry, he provides insights into tourism trends, flight services, and customer experiences. He is represented by Olivia LaBorde of Society22 PR and frequently shares expertise on travel and aviation topics. Movie-related travel is booming, with over half of travelers influenced by films and TV shows when choosing destinations. A survey by JustFly.com found Emily in Paris (24%) and Game of Thrones (23%) as top travel influencers, with Northern Ireland attracting fans to its Game of Thrones sites. Social media fuels this trend, making locations like Katz’s Deli from When Harry Met Sally viral. Sustainability is gaining importance, with destinations like New Zealand promoting eco-friendly tourism. Advances in AR and VR enhance experiences, allowing virtual explorations and interactive on-site elements. Despite TikTok disruptions, film tourism remains strong across platforms.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: What are iconic movie destinations attracting tourists now?
Henri Chelhot: I’m excited to discuss this topic because my company, justfly.com, recently conducted a survey on movie-related travel destinations. More than half of the participants admitted to selecting travel destinations after seeing them featured in a movie, TV series, or show.
In the survey, 24% of respondents said that *Emily in Paris* had the most significant impact on their travel choices, while *Game of Thrones* followed closely at 23%. *Game of Thrones* was filmed in several locations worldwide, but the top destination is Northern Ireland, where you can find The Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios. Iconic sites depicted as Winterfell, Castle Black, and the Kingsroad are also located in Northern Ireland.
Jacobsen: How do these spots remain relevant year-on-year?
Chelhot: These locations, like other popular film sites, stay relevant year after year because the characters and stories resonate with viewers on a deeper level. Even though we know
the actors and sets aren’t real, when fans travel to these places, they feel a connection to the movie. It’s as if they’ve experienced a part of the story or the journey of the characters they love.
Jacobsen: Are customers attuned to values like authenticity, environmentalism, and sustainability when touring?
Chelhot: We’re certainly noticing that more travelers value authenticity, environmentalism, and sustainability during their travels, and film tourism is no exception.
Jacobsen: How has the rise of social media influenced the popularity of cinematic locations among travelers?
Chelhot: Social media has significantly influenced the popularity of traveling to movie locations, just like it has affected many aspects of our culture. For example, lets say you’re a fan of “When Harry Met Sally”, and the iconic restaurant scene is your favorite part. You might be scrolling through your phone and come across a group of friends visiting Katz’sDeli in New York, where that scene was filmed. This realization can make you decide to add that location to your travel list.
Jacobsen: How has the disruption in access to TikTok changed social media usage and impacted trends in movie-based travel?
Chelhot: When TikTok was shut down, panic struck for many users around the world. However, it seems that people are now using it again without worrying about it going away. I don’t believe these disruptions have significantly impacted trends in movie-related travel. Social media remains a powerful tool for influencing travel choices, as illustrated by the “When Harry Met Sally” example. If TikTok were to disappear, travelers would likely transition to another platform.
Jacobsen: Are/should movie destination tours be shifting to incorporate cultural or educational elements to align with the values mentioned earlier?
Chelhot: Movie destination tours are shifting to include cultural and educational elements to align with tourists’ increasing values around environmentalism and sustainability.
For instance, New Zealand, known for filming “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” is a leader in sustainable tourism. Many tours there emphasize preserving the land and wildlife. Both the government and tour operators encourage tourists to respect nature by
adopting sustainable travel practices, such as minimizing waste, avoiding harm to plants or animals, and participating in conservation projects.
Jacobsen: How do advancements in AR and VR affect film tourism?
Chelhot: Advancements in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have significantly impacted film tourism. For example, Google Earth provides an incredible tool that allows users to virtually explore various filming locations. Additionally, tourism departments in states like New York, Nevada, and California have incorporated virtual reality tours on their websites, enhancing the travel experience for potential visitors.
As for AR, many filming locations have added that element. Some have virtual character interactions on-site, enhanced experiences through apps, and so on. For example, going back to “Games of Thrones.” At their filming locations in Northern Ireland, there are several AR elements. Through AR apps, tourists can use their smartphones or AR glasses to see how scenes were shot, adding visual effects that match the show.
Jacobsen: Thank you for the opportunity and your time, Henri.
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