The “Outlander effect” refers to the phenomenon where a popular book series or television show has a significant impact on tourism to the locations where it is set. It is named after the book series “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon, which was adapted into a successful television series. The first half of Season 7 of Outlander has been broadcast on television on Starz in the US and Lionsgate in the UK . This phenomenon also occurred back in the 90s when the Braveheart film came out .
As the owner of a private tour company with 5 years experience of Outlander tours , the answer to the question has to be a resounding yes – Scotland is definitely still getting the benefit of the ” Outlander effect ”
In the case of “Outlander,” the story is set in various historical and picturesque locations in Scotland , notable Lallybroch ( real life Midhope Castle ) , Jamie Fraser’s ancestral home . The TV series, in particular, showcased the beauty of the Scottish landscape and historical sites, and this led to a surge in tourism to Scotland, with fans of the show wanting to visit the locations featured in the series. This boost in tourism had a noticeable economic impact on the areas where the show was filmed, as it created jobs and generated revenue for local businesses. Season 8 is set to the last season of Outlander . But does the story end there ? There are rumours of a movie to cover the story of Claire and Jamie in books 9 and 10 of Outlander . And a prequel has got a green light so production will start soon on that .
The Outlander effect is an outstanding example of how popular culture, such as books and television, can influence travel and tourism trends by inspiring people to visit places they’ve seen or read about in their favourite stories. It demonstrates the power of storytelling and media in promoting tourism and generating interest in specific destinations.
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