TV inspires new year travel plans

Christmas TV and the release of new movies are set to inspire holidaymakers with a new set of destinations, travel organisation Abta said yesterday.

The Sir David Attenborough-hosted Frozen Planet series has already led to an increase in demand for cruise expeditions to the Poles.

Earthflight, a TV documentary following the path of snow geese from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic is likely to boost tourism to North America, Abta said.

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Another surge in holidays to the USA could come from the Christmas television showings of Three Men Go To New England, featuring Rory McGrath, Griff Rhys Jones and Dara O’Briain.

A further destination-inspiring programme may be Wild Weekend With Miranda, a trek across the Swiss Alps which features comic Miranda Hart and adventurer Bear Grylls.

Children’s films on over the festive period include Ratatouille and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, which are likely to lead to more bookings to Paris and Madagascar.

Abta said the Downton Abbey Christmas special, being shown on Christmas Day, is likely to increase visits to stately homes.

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Abta head of communications Victoria Bacon said: “Film and television programmes have a huge influence on British holidaymakers’ travel plans. It is clear destinations benefit enormously when used as film locations, which is why many are delighted to be chosen.”

Films out in the new year which could lead to booking surges include The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which showcases New Zealand.

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