World Tourism Day 2023: 7 web-shows & films that will inspire you to plan your next trip

A still from the series 'Emily in Paris' shot in the French capital.

One of the travel trends that continues to surge in 2023 is revenge tourism. But with so many postcard-perfect places to see in the world and so many adventures to be a part of, where does one go? Well, you don't need to look farther than your screens to get some inspiration for your next vacay. Some of the best shows and films have been shot at locations around the world and can give you a sneak peek into the landscapes, architecture, culture and history of the land. Pack your bags, right away.

Emily in Paris – Paris

A still from the show 'Emily in Paris'. (Image: Courtesy of Netflix © 2022)

When Chicago-based Emily Cooper packed her bag and relocated to Paris to work for the marketing agency Savoir, not only did she gain new insights into love and life, she also gave the viewers a ringside view of the most stunning hotels, museums, art galleries, gardens and restaurants in the romantic city. Some of the locations where the show has been shot include Monnaie de Paris museum, Roxie bar and restaurant, Moderne Bakery where Emile tastes her first ‘pain au chocolat’, Pont Alexande III where she shoots for a perfume ad and Plaza Athenee which offers the most beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower.

The Lord of The Rings: Rings of Power – New Zealand

Last year, the Amazon TV series The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power brought the Middle Ages back to life with breathtaking locales of New Zealand. Set thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, season one of the show brought the natural beauty of the country to the fore. From the magnificent landscapes of Fiordland National Park in the South Island to the lesser-known and remote sites like the Blue Lakes and St Bathans in Central Otago, the series utilised close to 36 locations throughout New Zealand to create the diverse and immersive world of Middle-Earth.

A still of the 'The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power' shot in New Zealand.

Kandahar – AlUla

Gerard Butler (left) in a still from the film 'Kandahar' (2023).

Ric Roman Waugh’s action-thriller Kandahar became the first big budget American film to be shot entirely in Saudi Arabia. The rich history of the ancient city of AlUla was a draw for the filmmaker who mentioned in interviews that it is a dream come true for him to showcase some of the city’s beauty to the world through the Gerard Butler-Ali Fazal film which released earlier this year.

Ali Fazal in a still from 'Kandahar' (2023) shot in AlUla. (Credit: Hopper Stone, SMPSP | Open Road Films / Briarcliff Entertainment)

With its natural sandstone mountains, ancient tombs and lush green valleys full of palm groves, the oasis city located in North-Western Saudi Arabia has some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world and has inspired other filmmakers and documentary makers to explore its history and culture.

The Witcher season 3 – Wales

A still from 'The Witcher' Season 3, shot in Wales.

Henry Cavill makes it difficult to take your eyes off him when he is on screen in the epic fantasy series The Witcher, but the picturesque filming locations of the fictional medieval land known as the Continent do help. Season 3 has been shot at a number of places in England but it is the beautiful, scenic beaches of Three Cliffs Bay in Swansea, Wales with its breathtaking views of the sand dunes and limestone cliffs that inspire awe. The Nash Point Lighthouse built in 1832 in South Wales also makes an appearance in one of the sequences in the show.

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One – Abu Dhabi

Tom Cruise on the set of 'Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning - Part One' shot in Abu Dhabi. (Image: Courtesy Paramount Pictures and Skydance)

The Tom Cruise-starrer spy action film was one of the most anticipated films this year and it did not disappoint — especially when it came to the stunning locations, they picturised it at. The sequel to Mission Impossible — Fallout (2018) was shot at various locations including Italy, Norway and London among other places. It was also the second time that the franchise chose Abu Dhabi to shoot some of the most important scenes. Super spy Ethan Hunt is shown horse riding across the Liwa Desert, which is a 90-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi and offers various safari activities to explore the soaring dunes and sand valleys. In the past, other movies including Dune, Furious 7 and Tiger Zinda Hai have also made use of Abu Dhabi’s picturesque views.

The White Lotus – Sicily

A still from The White Lotus, shot in Sicily.

The dark comedy, initially intended to be a limited series, aired in 2021 and the rave reviews it received led to a second season last year. The second season, set in Sicily was a visual treat for the viewers as they got to see the beautiful town of Taormina which is the location for the Four Seasons Domenico Palace, the actual hotel shown in the show with its cliff top infinity pool and Italian gardens. Glimpses of its colourful street can also be seen in the show. Travel experts also suggest heading to Noto Valley in Sicily for its baroque architecture and splendid views of the Ionaian sea.

Who Were We Running From? – Turkey

A still from 'Who Were We Running From?' which was shot in Turkey.

A mother and daughter running away from their mysterious past and shifting from one luxury hotel to another gave the makers of this hit Netflix series an opportunity to show Turkey like never before. Antalya on the Mediterranean coast and Cappadocia in the mountainous interiors are some of the locations the makers utilised for the show. Archaeological sites from Greek and Roman era abound in Antalya, while Cappadocia’s rock formations and stunning landscapes have been seen in many travel vloggers’ hot air balloon trips.