Pop Culture Tourism: Capitalizing on What’s Trending

Pop Culture Tourism: Capitalizing on What’s Trending

Barbie beaches. Bridgerton castles. Taylor Swift tour cities. Pop culture tourism has gone from niche to mainstream, as fans chase the thrill of stepping into their favorite story. In 2025, it’s not just superfans fueling this movement—it’s a marketing opportunity for destinations, hotels, and experience brands looking to ride the cultural wave.

Done right, pop culture tourism can drive serious bookings, media buzz, and global awareness. Done wrong, it’s a gimmick that fades as fast as a meme.

What Is Pop Culture Tourism?

Any travel experience shaped by a piece of content, celebrity moment, or viral trend. Think:

• Visiting film or TV show locations
• Booking themed stays, dining experiences, or museum exhibits
• Touring cities based on music fandoms or iconic creators

It’s experiential escapism—with a built-in audience.

Why It’s Exploding Now

• Streaming culture: Global audiences binge and bond faster than ever
• Social proof: TikTok and Instagram turn fan travel into viral trends
• Fandom pride: Gen Z and Millennials celebrate niche obsession without shame

How Hospitality Brands Can Tap In

1. Identify Cultural Alignments

• Does your property resemble a show setting?
• Are you located near a filming site or celebrity hometown?
• Do you have the vibe of a viral aesthetic (cottagecore, royalcore, y2k)?

2. Package the Experience

• Themed stays (e.g., Barbiecore room package, 90s sleepover suite)
• Photo opp installations with trending visual cues
• Custom playlists, menus, or staff uniforms to complete the immersion

3. Lean Into Limited-Time Energy

Pop culture moves fast. Capitalize with:

• Time-limited offers tied to premieres or anniversaries
• “While it’s trending” discounts for fans booking now
• Collaborations with influencers or creators in the fandom space

Case Studies That Worked

• The Barbie Dreamhouse on Airbnb: Bookings sold out in hours and dominated global press
• Outlander Tours in Scotland: Castles, costumes, and local guides telling lore-based stories
• New Jersey’s Sopranos trail: Legacy fandom reactivated for a new generation

Media and Messaging Tips

• Use language the fanbase uses (e.g., Swifties, ARMY, Little Monsters)
• Highlight insider details and behind-the-scenes appeal
• Pair nostalgia with relevance: “Step inside the 2004 rom-com that shaped your teenage years”

Final Thought

Pop culture tourism isn’t a gimmick—it’s emotional marketing with real-world impact. It’s a chance to turn entertainment into experience, and fans into travelers.

If it’s trending on TikTok, it might be time to make it bookable. Because in 2025, fandoms aren’t fringe—they’re the front row of culture.