Here are the newest destinations that are hitting the screens
![Here are the newest destinations that are hitting the screens](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
This year brought new destinations to the screen.
As 2016 comes towards a close, Wego.com, the leading travel search site in the Asia Pacific and Middle East, reflects on some new destinations that starred in some of this year’s most popular film releases.
“At Wego, we’ve examined film tourism in the past and witnessed how movies and television have contributed directly to attracting and increasing visitors based on the location they were filmed in,” Chief Flights Officer for Wego, Dean Wicks said.
Here’s some destinations, and specific filming locations, that took centre stage in 2016:
Doctor Strange, Nepal
With twists of moral crusades and Eastern mysticism, the big action takes place in the Kathmandu Valley with the bustling commercial hub of Thamel and the gold-tipped stupas of Swayambhunath as a backdrop. The UNESCO-attested Pashupatinath Temple also featured heavily.
The film’s star, Benedict Cumberbatch, spoke of how filming on location in Nepal provided him with a detail he wouldn’t otherwise been able to achieve, shifting his mindset into the world of the mystical and strange.
The Revenant, Canada
The visceral and raw western, frontier vibe come alive amongst the peaks of Kananaskis Country which is part of the Canadian Rockies, near Calgary. Other scenes were shot at the Indian reserve at Stoney Nation and the Fortress Mountain Resort, just down the road from the beautiful Banff ski resorts.
Global warming was cited as a reason for the completion of the film shoot moving south to the ice fields of Argentina.
The Legend of Tarzan, Gabon
Not quite as wild as viewers might expect, the 2016 remake was shot mainly at the Warner Bros. Studios in Hertfordshire, England. A huge 100 foot collapsible pier and a working, tropical waterfall were created in the sound stages, however a six week session of filming did take place in Gabon in Central Africa.
For those inspired to seek out the real jungle experience visit the wilds of the Minkébé National Park to see gorillas and mountain elephants in some of the last remaining virgin rainforest in this part of Africa.
Hell or High Water, New Mexico
An acclaimed, modern-day western that premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the film was set in West Texas but largely filmed in New Mexico. Scenic shots were filmed in the Alamogordo Valley, where the shifting dunes of the White Sands National Monument meet the cacti-spotted cottonwoods and plains of the Rio Grande rift.
Other scenes were in Guadalupe County and the state’s other more rustic locations – many of which retain the feel and atmosphere of the old west.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople, New Zealand
We know the beauty of New Zealand well as the backdrop for the Lord of the Rings films, and in this film local director Taika Waititi does its natural beauty great justice.
Filmed mostly in the North Island Volcanic Plateau and the Waitakere Ranges near Auckland. The Plateau is where you’ll find the gushing geysers and mud pools of the Taupo Volcanic Zone and the outdoorsy town of Rotorua, with the Hobbiton movie set close by.
Waitakere Ranges are lined with majestic black sand beaches and famed surfing spots, Te Henga and Piha. Its hills are also the location of the 77 km Hillary Trail, named in honour of Edmund Hillary; the first man (and New Zealander) to climb Mt Everest.
Westworld, Utah
The backcountry featured in this sci-fi western include the breathtaking vistas of the quintessential American west – hoodoos, canyons and red-hued tabletop mountains.
Most notable locations include Fisher Valley and Castle Valley, northeast of Moab. The first is famed for the rugged Fisher Tower; tall pillars of rock that look a little like creatures and strange objects.
Castle Valley is known for its ribbed, rock bluffs and red, rocky mountains that resemble giant natural castles.
Manchester by the Sea, New England
With the somewhat haunting atmosphere of New England, filming was undertaken in the towns of Gloucester and Salem. It’s an historical area and Gloucester exudes an authentic artsy vibe and is filled with galleries. On the town’s outskirts is the awesome Hammond Castle.
Salem is well known thanks to its witching history, and was also the setting for Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible.Home to the timber House of the Seven Gables made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name.
You can take tours related to witchcraft and visit the Pioneer Village deep in the woods; America’s first living museum that recreates the life of Puritans and the first English settlers on the coast.
Rams, Iceland
With an already elevated profile thanks to The Secret Life of Walter Mitty which featured Iceland’s stunning countryside, Rams was filmed on location in the remote northern valley of Bárðardalur.
Mother nature is harsh and beautiful in this quiet, rural region – visit the breathtaking Goðafoss, a 12 meter dramatic waterfall and watch the awesome Northern Lights dance across the sky.
Eyjafjördur Fjord carves its way inland from the sea, and the coastal city of Akureyri is filled with cozy cafes and seafood eateries.
Love & Friendship, Dublin
Filmed just outside of Dublin, Donabate, a small coastal town in Fingal was the backdrop for this 18th century romance, with its hearty country pubs and stunning cliff walks.
Newbridge Estate was the primary filming location with its Georgian architecture, regal gardens and the ancestral home of the Cobbe family. It’s also where the famed Cobbe portrait of Shakespeare was found – said to be the last remaining image of the bard.
La La Land, Los Angeles
Possibly one of the most location-filled films on the list, La La Land featured a whopping 60 individual filming locations to breathe a real sense of authenticity into the movie.
The reasonably far flung reaches of the Hollywood Hills and Santa Monica Mountains were included which ensures a good view of the famed Hollywood sign. Cultural centre Pasadena and the striking Colorado Street Bridge also feature.
The urban ruggedness of Angels Flight, a disused funicular railway in Bunker Hill provides some contrast, and there’s a metaphor-loaded moment when Gosling and Stone (the film’s leads) ascend to the stars, which was suitably filmed at the Griffith Observatory.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
2016 Candada dublin england films Gabon hollywood iceland nepal New Destinations New England New Mexico new zealand utahLatest News
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash
It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024
AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Journey Beyond launches first brand-led campaign during Paris Olympics
Journey Beyond is pushing the boundaries. On The Ghan, you can't even see them!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Ascott Australia partners with Hotels for Trees
Hoteliers can take a 'Lyf' out of this book and improve their green credentials.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Victoria’s TAC Top Tourism Town Award winners for 2024
Keep looking in our own backyard. There are plenty of places to go.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Uniworld partners with Camilla Franks with Egyptian-inspired collection
We are in de-Nile about making puns combining Crocs and leopard prints, given this luxe partnership.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Aussies at Paris Olympics anxious about travel risks, with incidents already recorded
Fortunately one of our biggest gold medal hopes still held onto his pedals.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Banyan Tree Seaview Villas elevates Laguna Lang Co
If you've ever played golf in the tropics, start early. LIke way early. It's hot! Damn hot.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales
Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Wendy Wu unveils new Japan travel brochure and itineraries
Get outta town! Off-beat Japan will be a lot less congested we figure than the usual tourist hotspots.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds
Here in Sydney, you can even eat the table centrepieces. Although we advise they be cooked first.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Renos Rologas new general manager ANZ for FCM Travel
Two decades in the travel game! Let's hope Renos is in for the long haul at FCM.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Untamed Escapes to offer Cultural Day Tour from Port Lincoln in partnership with Maba Idi
International visitors travel thousands of kilometres for this experience. Time to share.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Luxe Finish Line Penthouses offer the best vantage point for the finish of the Sydney-Hobart
Long have we been following the yachts leavings Sydney Harbour and one day, we will see the finish, from this place!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
In a busy world, proximity to nature is the new luxury
Forget Raffles, treat your nearest and dearest to a stay at the local campsite. They'll be super close to nature.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Circular Quay welcomes new Korean dining experience to Sydney Place
We once took Korean-American chef David Chang around Koreatown, Eastwood. Not happy about driving rain, loved the food.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
MSC Cruises unveils a new outdoor kid-friendly attraction on World America
Drop your kid down the jaws of a shark and they come out 11 decks below. Sounds good to me.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy
Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Australian travellers abandon peer-to-peer stays and gravitate back to big hotels, survey finds
Doom scrolling Airbnb for the best-possible stay options two days out from departure was wearing us down, apparently.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Quark Expeditions launches the Ultimate Summer in the Arctic sweepstakes for travel advisors
Summer in the Arctic still means it's freezing. But hopefully a winning sweepstakes tickets will warm your cockles.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘I bet it smells weird’ – Internet divided over floating restaurant in China
I you are still feeling peckish at the end of your meal, their fish tank is full. But can you eat koi?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Turn up in the Northern Territory this Spring’ campaign deals
Agents and airlines get all hot and sweaty over these enticing deals. Or did someone just turn the air-conditioning up?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Like nothing on earth’: Saudi Arabia’s new Treyam resort set in a Star Wars-style landscape
As long as Jar Jar Binks is not there, we would like a seat at the Mos Eisley Cantina please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Raffles Hotels and Resorts is set to open in Tokyo in 2028
Time to get your vision boards at the ready! Raffles is landing in Tokyo!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘A true honour’ – Andrew Stark wins Flight Centre Director’s Award for the second time
Congratulations Andrew! If you're a fan of British reality TV you might notice a familiar face.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Club Med debuts travel agent portal 2.0 with bonus prize for tops sales
See those people by the pool. That could be you. Start selling through the portal people!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Envoyage announces 2024 Australian Icons and rewards event in the Maldives
We were going to edit our name into the list but we chickened out.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
HIF Global signs collaboration agreement with Airbus on eFuels
We know it's a good thing but can a jet fuel geek out there send in a diagram explaining this please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Crystal announces release dates for 2026 itineraries
If you have started collecting 2026 itineraries then here is another one for you.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cairns Airport unveils display of support for FNQ youth
If you were craving some winter sun now you have a cultural reason for booking a flight to Cairns.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Viking announces six new cruise itineraries
Now's the time to start learning Putonghua, Nihongo and Lhasa. Or maybe even know where these are spoken.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Join Qatar Airways, Celebrity Cruises & Klook – Showcase Your Brand at Click Frenzy Travel August 2024!
Clicking calmly will also be welcome when it comes to this particular deal. Click calmly here to find out more.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
InsideAsia Tours launches new incentive that doubles agent commission
Double commission! We like the sound of that. Hope their system doesn't crash as a result.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Push to revive Parramatta’s iconic Roxy Theatre into entertainment destination
Long have we wished for this iconic heritage cinema to be revived as a tourist destination. Still waiting.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Qatar Airways signs an expansion to Boeing 777-9 aircraft order
Known as a quiet rural town in England, the entire global aviation industry now has its eyes on Farnborough.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Flight Centre shares down following revised profit guidance
The stock market moves fast. What will the rest of the week hold for Flight Centre?