Dinosaurs Descend on Thailand: Jurassic World Boosts Tourism

Pictures courtesy of TAT News

Thailand's southern landscapes have just received a cinematic boost, courtesy of "Jurassic World Rebirth." The latest instalment in the iconic franchise is drawing more than just dinosaur fans to the region.

In a strategic move, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to launch a global influencer campaign aimed at promoting the film and showcasing Thailand's stunning locales. Between 30 July and 3 August, 30 prominent influencers from around the globe toured filming sites in Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi.

Accompanying them were the film’s director, Gareth Edwards, and key cast members Jonathan Bailey, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, and Audriana Miranda. Their presence highlighted Thailand's film-making potential and advocated for "Jurassic World Rebirth," which recently wrapped filming in the country.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool emphasised the agency's strategic shift towards “set-jetting”—a trend where enthusiasts travel to see famous movie locations in person. “We’re adopting a film-led marketing strategy," she explained, "by connecting cinematic scenes with real destinations.”

Stephanie Lutjens, Senior Vice-President of Global Marketing at Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, praised the partnership with TAT as “incredible.” The collaboration underscores the film's role in drawing international attention and visitors to Thailand.

The production of "Jurassic World Rebirth" itself brought impressive benefits to the region. It generated over 400 million baht and created more than 2,200 jobs in the southern provinces, according to TAT. These figures highlight the film's substantial economic impact and its capacity to boost Thailand's tourism visibility on a global stage.

According to the Bangkok Post, between 1 January and 30 July this year, 322 foreign film projects were shot in Thailand, bringing in over 3.3 billion baht in revenue, as reported by the Thailand Film Office under the Tourism Department.

Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President of the Phuket Tourist Association, remarked that film productions serve as exceptional vehicles for tourism promotion, particularly when fans are eager to visit real-life filming locations.

“Some locations are now promoting film-inspired travel routes, including Jurassic World Rebirth trails," Thaneth said, noting their growing popularity among both Thai and international travellers.

He also supported government initiatives like the cash rebate programme for film productions, while advocating for a more streamlined process. Thaneth suggested the creation of a one-stop service centre to assist with filming logistics, a necessary step for simplifying operations in complex areas such as national parks.

In summary, Thailand's collaboration with Hollywood not only places its scenic landscapes on the silver screen but also fuels economic growth and tourism opportunities, drawing both dinosaur enthusiasts and film lovers to its shores.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-06