Lights, Camera, Vacation: Analyzing the Impact of Tourism on Bollywood Film Locations and Cultural Exchange

Abstract

Background: Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, has played a significant role in shaping cultural perceptions and influencing travel patterns since the early 20th century. By depicting various locations, Bollywood films have transformed ordinary places into popular tourist destinations, impacting both domestic and international tourism. Objective: This systematic literature review aims to examine the interrelationship between Bollywood and tourism, focusing on how Bollywood contributes to economic development through film-induced tourism. The review seeks to understand how tourism boards can leverage Bollywood's popularity to promote lesser-known destinations, enhance cultural exchange, and support sustainable economic growth. Methodology: The review systematically searched for and analyzed studies and articles published in academic journals, books, and other scholarly sources related to Bollywood's impact on tourism. The inclusion criteria were studies focusing on film-induced tourism, Bollywood's cultural influence, and its economic impact on tourism. Exclusion criteria included studies unrelated to the tourism industry or focused solely on non-Bollywood film industries. Data were extracted, analyzed, and synthesized to identify key themes and trends. Results: The review found that Bollywood has been an effective promotional tool for tourism, particularly in regions like Switzerland and Spain, where famous Bollywood movies have led to significant increases in tourist traffic. Additionally, the research highlighted the potential of Bollywood in promoting lesser-known destinations and fostering cultural exchange. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of integrating Bollywood into destination marketing strategies to boost the visibility of tourist destinations and drive long-term growth in the tourism industry. The review recommends that tourism boards collaborate with the film industry to harness the full potential of Bollywood for sustainable economic development.

Keywords: Bollywood, Tourism, Cinema, Mumbai, destinations