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TripAdvisor Crowns The World's Top 10 Game of Thrones Tours, Leading into Season 7 Premier
Cast member Kristian Nairn, Who Played “Hodor” in the Hit Series, Surprises Fans at Giant’s Causeway Tour in Belfast, Ranked #3 Game of Thrones tour on TripAdvisor TripAdvisor Search Traffic Activity Reveals Game of Thrones Tourism on the Rise as Top Film Locations Seeing up to a 2270%* Increase in Traveller Search Activity Year-over-year

TripAdvisor®, the travel site that helps users find the latest reviews and lowest prices, today announced the top 10 most popular “Game of Thrones” (GOT) tours throughout the world, based on TripAdvisor attractions booking data, leading into the Season 7 premier on July 16.

In recognition of its ranking on the list, TripAdvisor teamed up with cast member Kristian Nairn to surprise unsuspecting TripAdvisor tour-goers on the Game of Thrones tour ranked #1 in the UK and #3 in the world. True to form, TripAdvisor provided a VIP experience by having Kristian pop out from behind a door at Ballintoy Harbour made famous as part of the Iron Islands of House Greyjoy, leaving the tour-goers speechless. After the surprise, Kristian and the tour-guide shared insider information about the show and invited everyone to pose for a photo recreating Kristian’s famous “hold the door” scene.

“I love my job because every day I’m able to provide a top-rate tour experience for people just as passionate about the Game of Thrones as myself,” said Caroline McComb, tour operator. “Today, however, was on a whole new level. An amazing experience, only on a TripAdvisor tour!” To view the video, click on the following link: http://bit.ly/2tOnooK

TripAdvisor also analysed annual search activity data for Game of Thrones filming locations since 2012, a year after the series began to air, to determine show’s influence on tourism to those destinations. Most locations have experienced significant increases in traveller interest, as much as 2270%, after appearing on the show1.

Spain and Iceland are Most Popular Game of Thrones Tourism Destinations

Among the most popular GOT film locations on TripAdvisor is Spain, with 12 destinations serving as fictional background for Kings Landing, Dorne, Vaes Dothrak, and more. Local Spanish landmarks like the Castle of Zafra saw a 488% year-over-year increase in interest from international travellers after its appearance in Season 6. Osuna’s bullfighting ring, appearing as the Fighting Pits of Mereen, has experienced a 215% increase in traveller interest. The city of Girona, which served as King´s Landing, Braavos, Dorne, Hornhill or Oldtown, saw a traffic increase of 62% at the beginning of Season 6.

Amongst Singapore travellers, Spain has experienced a 32% year-over-year increase in search interest2. Iceland, another destination that plays host to multiple GOT filming locations such as Vik, has also seen a 41% year-over-year increase2

Country Antrim in Northern Ireland Another GOT Tourism Hotspot

An iconic GOT filming destination since Season 1, the Northern Ireland region of Country Antrim has been the backdrop for King’s Landing, King’s Road, and Winterfell, among others. This region has piqued the interest of international travellers, increasing search traffic +229% since the end of 2012.

“TV shows have such a great influence on fans when they think about where they want to travel, and hits like Game of Thrones have driven significant interest in filming locations across Europe,” said Janice Lee Fang, communications director for TripAdvisor, Asia Pacific. “Fans of the show can look to TripAdvisor for highly-rated bookable experiences to get the insider’s insights on these magical locations of the Game of Thrones series.”

TripAdvisor offers more than 56,000 bookable tours, activities and experiences in 2,500 destinations and 165 countries to help travellers unleash the full potential of their trips.

Top 10 Most Booked Game of Thrones Tours on TripAdvisor3 

All prices are in Singapore Dollars

  1. Viator Exclusive: 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour of Dubrovnik, Croatia (bookable on TripAdvisor with low price guarantee of $93)4

Travellers can discover Game of Thrones (GOT) film sites of Old Town of Dubrovnik on this guided walking tour that takes in the real-life attractions used for some of the show’s fictional locations including Lovrijenac Fortress, Blackwater Bay and a trip to Trsteno Arboretum.

  1. 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations Tour From Reykjavik, Iceland (bookable on TripAdvisor with low price guarantee of $163)

Travellers can visit GOT filming locations on this full-day guided tour, including Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Iceland’s largest geothermal power stations at Nesjavellir, Lake Thingvallavatn's panoramic vistas as well as Thjorsárdalur valley.

  1. 'Game of Thrones' and Giant's Causeway Full-Day Tour from Belfast, UK (bookable on TripAdvisor with low price guarantee of $64) 

Kristian Nairn, member of the ensemble cast, recently surprised and thrilled unsuspecting fans on this popular GOT tour. Travellers can see the magical locations where GOT is filmed on a full-day tour of the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Fans visit key filming locations, such as the caves and Dark Hedges road, while listening to inside gossip about popular characters.

  1. 'Game of Thrones' Film Location Tour from Dublin Including Giant's Causeway, Ireland (bookable on TripAdvisor with low price guarantee of $89) 

Travellers discover sites made famous from GOT visiting beautiful locations such as the Dark Hedges, the Cushendun Caves, Ballintoy Harbour and Larrybane. There are also photo opportunities at the iconic ruin of Dunluce Castle and Giant's Causeway.

  1. Viator Exclusive: 'Game of Thrones' Tour in Split, Croatia (bookable on TripAdvisor with low price guarantee of $110) 

Travellers get an insider’s view of GOT on this 3.5-hour guided walking tour in Split. A local guide provides a behind-the-scenes look, learning about spots in the fictional city of Meereen and the fortress of Klis, before ending at Diocletian’s Palace.

  1. ‘Game of Thrones’ Filming Locations Tour from Belfast including Giants Causeway, UK (bookable on TripAdvisor with low price guarantee of $55)

Travellers embark on an epic journey through the Seven Kingdoms on this full-day tour of Northern Ireland’s GOT filming locations, such as Dark Hedges, Cushendun Caves and Carrickfergus Castle. Along the way, marvel at natural wonders like the Giant’s Causeway, see the Titanic Studios and walk the notorious Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. 

  1. Game of Thrones Tour with Karaka Cruise and Dubrovnik Walking Tour, Croatia (bookable on TripAdvisor with low price guarantee of $70)

Travellers sail into the fantastical world of GOT with this action-packed 2-hour cruise and walking tour throughout King's Landing. Board the same ship that Daenerys Targaryen sailed and then walk through Dubrovnik's Old Town to discover where other famous scenes were set.

  1. 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations Tour in Malta (bookable on TripAdvisor with low price guarantee of $96)

Travellers discover the Lands of Ice and Fire on this full-day tour of Malta’s GOT filming locations. On this tour, which was designed and is led by two actors who appeared on the series, travellers get up close to the ancient forts, parkland and streets that set the scene for the Red Keep and King’s Landing.

  1. 'Game of Thrones' Location Tour from Belfast including Giant's Causeway, UK (bookable on TripAdvisor with low price guarantee of $47)

Travellers explore sites made famous in GOT, and explore the Causeway Coastal Route with panoramic views over the countryside. Visit top local attractions including Cushendun Caves, Ballintoy Harbour and Larrybane, Giant's Causeway and the Dark Hedges.

  1. 'Game of Thrones' Guided Day Trip to Girona from Barcelona, Spain (bookable on TripAdvisor with low price guarantee of $160)

Travellers follow in the footsteps of the Lannisters and the Targaryens on this 8-hour GOT–themed tour in Girona. Explore the medieval city through the eyes of key characters, sample King’s Hand ice cream, and enjoy free time to see the city’s Roman walls, Jewish district and more.

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Methodology

1Traffic increases have been calculated based on the number of unique sessions on TripAdvisor from September 2012 through June 2017.

2Based on TripAdvisor internal data comparing unique sessions from Singapore IPs looking into Spain and Iceland, respectively, comparing 12 months preceding May 2016 and 12 months preceding May 2017.

3Top tours are most booked “Game of Thrones” themed tours on TripAdvisor during 2016.

4All prices reflected are in Singapore Dollars.