Unveiling the Power of TV Tourism: A Journey from Guadeloupe to Northern Ireland
This summer, our family's highlight was a memorable six-hour sailing adventure from Antigua to Saint Marie. Sailing into the charming town of Honoré felt like stepping into a familiar scene with its red-roofed church and the renowned police station nearby.
For fans of the long-running BBC drama, Death in Paradise, Honoré and Saint Marie are iconic locations. But what many may not realize is that this fictional setting has given rise to a significant trend—TV tourism.
The Allure of Saint Marie: A Real-Life Tour of Death in Paradise
When we arrived, we were greeted by the sight of a Christmas special being filmed, starring the new chief detective, Don Gilet, known for his role in EastEnders. This is just one example of how film and television can turn everyday locations into tourist hotspots.
In reality, Honoré is the town of Deshaies, and Saint Marie is part of Guadeloupe, a French overseas department. The impact of the show on the local economy has been profound, attracting fans from all over the world eager to visit these now-famous sites.
Guadeloupe's Economic Boost: How Death in Paradise Became a Tourist Magnet
For those unfamiliar with Death in Paradise, it’s a Caribbean twist on Agatha Christie mysteries. Each episode features a murder mystery, which is eventually solved by a quirky detective from Scotland Yard. The series’ success—drawing 8.3 million viewers on BBC One last year—has not only made it a global sensation, but also a driving force behind Guadeloupe’s tourism industry.
Visitors flock to see iconic locations like the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, which doubles as Honoré's church in the show, and the former priest’s house, which serves as the police station. And of course, no trip is complete without a visit to Catherine’s Bar, known in real life as Le Madras, where fans can sip on a rum punch just like the characters do.
A Family Affair: Our Death in Paradise Pilgrimage
Our visit to Guadeloupe was driven by my two eldest grandsons, Seb and Theo, who have been fans of Death in Paradise since their primary school days. They had always dreamed of seeing where the series was filmed, and last month, that dream became a reality.
We took the official tour, visiting every significant location, including the detective's shack on a beautiful beach. It's less substantial than it appears on TV, as it's dismantled after each series and reassembled for the next one.
The Broader Impact: How Death in Paradise is Transforming Guadeloupe
As Death in Paradise gears up for its 14th season, the economic benefits for Guadeloupe are undeniable. The show injects millions into the local economy each year, even though the majority of the cast and crew are imported for the six-month filming period.
Beyond the show’s immediate impact, it has helped put Guadeloupe on the map, showcasing its lush landscapes and stunning beaches to a global audience.
France's Latest TV Tourist Attraction: Emily in Paris
On the other side of the Atlantic, another TV show is making waves—Netflix’s Emily in Paris. This series, set in the heart of France, follows the adventures of an American marketing executive. The show’s popularity has turned real-life locations into must-visit spots for fans.
One such location is the restaurant Les Deux Compères, known in the show as L’Esprit de Gigi. In reality, it's called Terra Nera, and it specializes in Italian cuisine. Despite the fictional chef, the restaurant sees over 15,000 fans annually, all eager to dine where Emily did.
The Rise of TV Tourism: From Paris to Northern Ireland
Perhaps the most striking example of TV tourism’s economic power is Game of Thrones, much of which was filmed in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The original series ended six years ago, yet its impact on tourism is still felt today.
At the height of the show’s popularity, one in six tourists visiting Northern Ireland cited Game of Thrones as their reason for coming. This influx of fans injected £50 million directly into the local economy, with tours of iconic locations like Carnlough Harbour and The Dark Hedges continuing to thrive.
Northern Ireland: A Growing Hub for TV and Film Production
Game of Thrones didn’t just boost tourism; it also transformed Northern Ireland into a significant center for television and film production. The region now attracts high-skilled jobs and has recently completed production on another medieval fantasy film, How to Train Your Dragon.
And the Game of Thrones legacy is far from over. Filming for a new prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, began in June at Titanic Studios in Belfast, promising to keep Northern Ireland’s tourism and production industries thriving.
Conclusion: The Ever-Growing Impact of TV Tourism
Having experienced the contrasting climates of Guadeloupe and Northern Ireland within a single month, it’s clear that TV tourism is a powerful force. Whether basking in the tropical sun of Saint Marie or braving the rugged landscapes of Westeros, fans of these shows are eager to immerse themselves in the worlds they’ve come to love on screen.
As more TV shows continue to captivate audiences, the trend of TV tourism shows no signs of slowing down, offering both economic benefits and unforgettable experiences for fans around the globe.
FAQ
Q1: What is TV tourism?
A1: TV tourism refers to the phenomenon where fans of television shows visit the real-life filming locations of their favorite series, often boosting the local economy.
Q2: Where is Death in Paradise filmed?
A2: Death in Paradise is filmed in Guadeloupe, a French overseas department in the Caribbean, with the fictional town of Honoré being set in the real town of Deshaies.
Q3: How has Game of Thrones impacted Northern Ireland?
A3: Game of Thrones has significantly boosted tourism in Northern Ireland, attracting fans from around the world and injecting millions into the local economy.
Q4: What is the real name of Catherine’s Bar in Death in Paradise?
A4: In real life, Catherine’s Bar is called Le Madras, located in Deshaies, Guadeloupe.
Q5: Is the restaurant from Emily in Paris real?
A5: Yes, the restaurant featured in Emily in Paris is real. It's called Terra Nera and is located in the Sorbonne district of Paris.
