TORONTO — VisitBritain’s industry partners got a front row seat for an experience in screen tourism – also known as ‘set-jetting’ – thanks to a new movie at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday. ‘The Salt Path’ with Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs showcased plenty of UK scenery including the town of Chepstow in Wales and Somerset in England, as well as the beautiful South West Coast Path through Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. Prior to the screening, VisitBritain’s partner tour operators, airlines, media and more gathered for cocktails at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Visitors to the UK can experience set-jetting first hand with excursions to film and TV locations, tours, attractions and more, said Cathy Stapells, Director, Canada for VisitBritain. “We want to work with you to build itineraries to showcase the wealth of screen tourism product to your clients,” said Stapells. She added that surveys show seven out of 10 visitors have visited a film or TV location in the UK, and nine in 10 potential visitors are interested in something similar.
This niche is such a going concern that last year VisitBritain and the British Film Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the intention of boosting screen tourism throughout the UK’s nations and regions. Popular franchises keep screen tourism’s momentum going strong. “Harry Potter is the gift that keeps on giving,” said Stapells.
Other top perennial draws include Downton Abbey and Bridgert.