World Tourism Day 2026 Special: These 5 Places Become Fan Pilgrimages to Iconic Films – Details Here | Today’s news
Cinema has a unique ability to transport audiences around the world and transform breathtaking scenery into perfect bucket-list destinations.
As the tourism industry embraces “set-jetting,” the trend of traveling to locations featured in movies and TV shows, some spots have developed into permanent shrines for die-hard fans.
From the rugged Himalayas to the romantic backstreets of Europe, here are five amazing destinations that experienced a massive tourism boom after being released on the silver screen:
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1. Pangong Tso, Ladakh (3 idiots)
The crystal-clear, high-altitude waters of Pangong Lake have become India’s most sought-after travel destination since the climax of the blockbuster 3 Idiots.
The breathtaking contrast of the dark blue waters against the barren mountains impressed the travelers.
Today, visitors can still find replicas of the famous yellow scooter and other iconic props lining the shoreline, allowing fans to recreate the film’s magical ending.
2. Landscapes of New Zealand (Lord of the Rings)
A scene from The Lord of the Rings
Peter Jackson’s epic fantasy franchise has permanently linked New Zealand’s global identity with the Mediterranean.
From the perfectly preserved rolling green hills of Matamata’s Hobbiton to the dramatic alpine peaks of Fiordland and Queenstown – which were also the imposing Misty Mountains – this land remains the ultimate pilgrimage for Tolkien enthusiasts seeking immersive cinema.
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3. Manali Range (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani)
Still life from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
This modern Bollywood classic redefined the concept of youth travel in India. The snow-covered slopes, dense pine forests and challenging hiking trails of Manali and the wider Himachal Pradesh region have become the main symbol of friendship, adventure and coming-of-age journeys.
The film has single-handedly prompted thousands of millennials to pack their bags and head out to experience the thrill of the mountains.
4. Spain (Life Is Better Than Ever)
This cult favorite film served as a spectacular three-hour visual brochure for Spanish tourism.
From throwing tomatoes at the vibrant La Tomatina festival in Buñol to deep-sea diving in the azure waters of the Costa Brava and adrenaline-pumping running of the bulls in Pamplona, the film has inspired a generation of travelers to plan an adventure trip across Europe focused on celebrating life and overcoming fear.
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5. Paris Cafes and Streets (Emily in Paris)
Still life by Emily from Paris
The hit Netflix series has injected a new wave of modern romance into the French capital. Pop culture tourists now flock to the historic Latin Quarter to snap photos at the picturesque Place de l’Estrapade (the exterior of Emily’s apartment building), dine at Gabriel’s restaurant (the real-life Terra Nera), and indulge in buttery croissants at the local boulangeries, all while seeking their own slice of chic Parisian lifestyle.
Why is World Tourism Day celebrated?
World Tourism Day is celebrated worldwide on September 27 every year. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) officially established this annual celebration in 1980.
The specific date was chosen to commemorate the adoption of the organization’s statutes in 1970, a significant milestone in the formation of global tourism policy and international travel standards.
The main purpose of World Tourism Day is to raise global awareness of the immense value of tourism and its direct impact on social, cultural, political and economic development. It serves as a reminder of how travel breaks down cultural barriers, creates millions of jobs and supports economic development around the world.
For 2026, the global celebration is taking place in El Salvador with the official theme “The Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Reimagine Tourism”.
This forward-looking topic highlights how digital infrastructure and AI tools are actively changing the way modern travelers discover, book and experience new destinations.
