HBO’s “The White Lotus” draws in millions of viewers weekly but is also an economic powerhouse, attracting tourists to its stunning resort locations who want to experience the luxury themselves.
“The White Lotus,” created by Mike White, is currently on its third season with newepisodes dropping every Sunday at 9 p.m. EST. The series follows wealthy guests staying at a luxurious resort while subtly critiquing underlying issues of class, race and privilege.
At the start of each season, an unknown character is killed. As the episodes unfold, viewers gradually uncover the details of the crime, slowly peeling back the layers of the characters' true motives and moral complexities.
With huge stars like Jennifer Coolidge, Walter Goggins, Sydney Sweeney, Aubrey Plaza and Theo James making appearances, “The White Lotus” is one of the biggest shows currently on air. It has collected a total of 15 Primetime Emmy awards between its first two seasons.
The show’s success can be attributed to many factors, including the show’s poignant writing, “whodunit” plot and satirical exploration of wealth. However, the beautiful landscapes and scenery are another unexpected draw that keeps people watching.
From luxurious vacation destinations, gorgeous beaches and fancy hotel rooms, “The White Lotus” is a travel advertisement highlighting the natural beauty and cultural elements of these locations.
Although the White Lotus isn’t an actual resort, the series is filmed at different Four Seasons resort locations across the world, including Hawaii, Italy and Thailand.
According to an article from The Wrap, the production by itself significantly benefited the economies of these countries. The first season contributed $12.9 million to Maui, Hawaii and over $40 million to Sicily, Italy, for Season 2. The ongoing third season contributed a collective $36.9 million to the economy in Thailand.
In addition to the financial impact during production, the release of the show attracted a surge of tourists eager to experience the luxury of these locations firsthand, further boosting local economies.
The phenomenon is called “screen tourism” or “set-jetting,” which occurs when people travel to visit the locations featured in TV shows, movies or other forms of media.
Ironically, although the show critiques class, it also sparked a surge of luxury travel. The Four Seasons saw a 425% spike in online searches following the show's release, according to Bloomberg.
According to a report by Expedia, “the first two seasons of ‘The White Lotus’ drove a 300% increase in travel demand to Hawaii and Sicily.”
According to the country’s government, Thailand saw a surge in hotel bookings in Koh Samui, the main filming location of the current season, recording a 65% increase from a year ago.
The economic impacts are known as “the White Lotus effect,” which refers to the powerful influence the show has had on tourism as a result of the show filming there.
This increase in tourism generates revenue for local businesses, hotels and other tourist activities, resulting in an economic boom for these countries that continues even after the show moves onto another season.
In fact, the pineapple suite from Season 1 is still nearly impossible to book, despite it being released four years ago.
The impact of “The White Lotus” goes far beyond its Emmy-winning success. It showcases the beauty and culture of the places it showcases, creating a lasting economic boon that benefits these countries.
