The closer the better to the Great Pit of Daznak movie set? Residents of a rural town and their perceptions of film tourism

Abstract

ABSTRACT Films are a powerful medium to promote destinations, particularly to attract tourists to film locations. Moreover, the economic development film tourism brings with it can revitalise rural areas undergoing economic decline. The attitudes of residents toward tourism are a key factor in the development of tourism-related economic activity. In this study, the perceptions of the residents of a rural Spanish town, Osuna, are explored after the filming of Game of Thrones. A difference-in-means analysis was employed with data collected through a questionnaire that was published in a local newspaper and posted on several Facebook pages whose members were Osuna residents. The conclusions suggested that the local residents perceived the film set as a positive development for attracting tourists. Additionally, the influence of distance from the film-set location was evident in only three aspects: impact on the traditional lifestyle of the residents, higher prices, and conflicts between film crews and residents.