Lord of the Rings is a beloved fantasy series that has inspired countless fans around the world. The epic tale of hobbits, wizards, and epic battles has been brought to life in both literature and film, and has created a devoted fanbase that spans generations.
One of the ways that fans of Lord of the Rings have shown their love for the series is through tourism. There are many locations around the world that have been used as filming locations for the Lord of the Rings movies, and these locations have become popular destinations for fans who want to visit the real-life places that inspired the fantastical world of Middle-earth.
According to data from the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, Lord of the Rings tourism has had a significant impact on the country's economy. In the years following the release of the movies, the number of international visitors to New Zealand increased significantly. Between 2002 and 2012, the number of international visitors to the country increased by 50%, and it is estimated that Lord of the Rings tourism contributed to a significant portion of this growth.
In addition to the economic benefits of Lord of the Rings tourism, the series has also had a cultural impact on New Zealand. Many of the filming locations for the movies are located in remote parts of the country, and the influx of tourists has brought new economic opportunities to these areas. In some cases, local businesses have even rebranded themselves as Lord of the Rings-themed attractions, capitalizing on the popularity of the series.
One of the most popular Lord of the Rings tourism destinations is the Southern Island of New Zealand, which was used as the primary filming location for the movies. The island is home to many of the iconic landscapes and settings from the series, including the Misty Mountains, the Plains of Rohan, and the forests of Mirkwood. Tourists can visit these locations and take guided tours of the film sites, often with the opportunity to meet actors and crew members who worked on the movies.
In addition to the Southern Island, other popular Lord of the Rings tourism destinations include the North Island of New Zealand, which was used for filming in the early stages of the movie series, and the city of Wellington, which served as the base for the production of the movies.
Overall, Lord of the Rings tourism has had a significant impact on the economy and culture of New Zealand. The series has brought new economic opportunities to remote parts of the country and has contributed to the growth of the tourism industry. For fans of the series, visiting the real-life locations used in the movies is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Middle-earth and experience the magic of the Lord of the Rings series firsthand.