Harry Potter will continue boosting Scotland tourism

Even as the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1, the first of a two-part film based on the final book of the Harry Potter novels written by British author J.K Rowling, heralds the end of the Harry Potter movie series, Scotland tourism is expected to see growth for years to come, say tourism chiefs.

The Harry Potter books and movies brought Scotland in spotlight for tourism. “Harry Potter films brought in new markets for the country. Area representatives will be making the most out of the new film in their marketing, Iain Herbert, Scottish Tourism Forum chief executive, was quoted as saying by the local media.

According to travel industry experts, about one in five tourists visit Scotland to see the movie locations. There would be no decline in the arrivals even as Harry Potter film series draw to close, they noted.

“Film locations can remain popular forever,” Herbert said, disagreeing with the speculations that end of Harry Potter film series could affect Scotland’s tourism. In fact, plans for a Harry Potter theme park in England by 2012 would also benefit Scotland, observes a Scottish travel operator.

Scotland is one of the premiere destinations for outdoor shooting, and hence, one of the leading countries promoting movie tourism. There are many spots related to Harry Potter in Scotland that attract tourists, including film locations like Glencoe and the Glenfinnan viaduct. Edinburgh cafés where J.K. Rowling wrote the books is also a major attraction. Besides, there are some scenes in Harry Potter films that were shot here, including Hogsmeade Village scenes shown in Prisoner of Azkaban (third installment in the Harry Potter film series), Order of the Phoenix (fifth installment) and Half-Blood Prince (sixth installment).