New itinerary lets clients explore filming locations from the new Wonka movie
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
As Wonka debuted in theatres across the country last month, luxury travel company Red Savannah launched a new tailor-made itinerary that gives clients the opportunity to explore locations where the movie was filmed.
“With the launch of Wonka, we recognized an opportunity to create some fun to be enjoyed by children and grown-ups alike, while celebrating great English traditions such as afternoon tea,” Red Savannah’s director of marketing, Sarah-Leigh Shenton tells Travel Courier.
The new A Family Adventure in England itinerary allows clients to walk in the footsteps of Timothée Chalamet while taking part in activities like horseback riding in the Cotswolds countryside, exploring the Tower of London with a Yeoman Warder to learn what’s special about the tower’s crows; and a enjoying private family chocolate-making class in London.
“We noticed that a significant proportion of our clients ask for at least a couple of foodie elements to be incorporated into their custom vacations,” she said. “Culinary experiences deliver a unique insight into the heritage and customs of a destination, as well as an opportunity for family members to participate in an activity rather than being casual observers.”
Shenton believes film and TV has always inspired people to travel but as it becomes increasingly accessible in all sorts of formats it’s gaining even more momentum.
“It is inevitable that destination choice is increasingly inspired by places seen on screens big and small. We call this set-jetting,” she says. “Recent examples of TV and film generating interest in particular destinations include hit series The White Lotus, particularly series two which was based in Sicily; Succession featuring Lake Como and Game of Thrones in Croatia.”
Similarly, Lynda Falcone, national travel trade manager, Canada for VisitBritain says there are long-time favourites that continue to be a top draw for visitors to Britain, including Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Bond, Outlander, Sherlock Holmes, Doc Martin, Poldark, Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility and Paddington, as well as All Creatures Great And Small.
“According to the American Express Travel: Global Travel Trends Report 2023, screen tourism appeals to our target Experience Seekers audience: 70% of Gen-Z and Millennial respondents agree that they have been inspired to visit a destination after seeing it featured in a TV show, news source, or movie; and 60% of these younger set-jetters say they have chosen a destination because it looks great in photos/videos; and to share on their social channels,” she added.
Beyond Wonka, Red Savannah has many itineraries inspired by series such as the Bonnets and Bodices’ itinerary, which includes Hampton Court Palace, Painshill Park and Bath’s Royal Crescent.
“Our French specialist was inspired to create a six day journey through Paris inspired by Emily in Paris: Emily’s Paris: A Fashionable Journey Through the French Capital,” she added. “And most recently, the forthcoming film, Ferrari, has inspired ‘Ferraris, Sunsets & Super Tuscans’, which explores Tuscany’s landscapes, gastronomy and viniculture by Ferrari F8 Tributo. Villa vacations too are sometimes inspired by film – Villa Nocciola, a fabulous 10-bedroom private villa close to Cortona in Tuscany, starred alongside Diane Lane in Under the Tuscan Sun, while fans of House of Gucci can rent Villa Balbiano, featured as the home of the family patriarch, Aldo Gucci.”
