The White Lotus Effect: Why Türkiye Should Be the Next Star of Destination Storytelling

Imagine a television series that not only dominates the screen but also drives real-world tourism across some of the world's most luxurious hotels and breathtaking locations. HBO’s critically acclaimed "The White Lotus" isn’t just entertainment—it’s a striking example of how viewers' travel preferences are being reshaped by storytelling. Increasingly, film and TV productions are proving to be more impactful than traditional advertising strategies. So, why shouldn't Türkiye (formerly known as Turkey) be the next destination to benefit from this powerful model?

About The White Lotus

Created by Mike White, the series first aired in 2021 and quickly gained attention for its sharp satire and layered characters. It explores the social tensions that unfold among wealthy tourists and hotel staff at exotic resorts. With a cast that includes Jennifer Coolidge, Aubrey Plaza, Theo James, Meghann Fahy, Murray Bartlett, and others, the show has built a devoted global following.

Filming Locations: Where Luxury Meets Landscape

Season 1: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Hawaii
Season 2: San Domenico Palace, Taormina – A Four Seasons Hotel, Sicily, Italy
Season 3: Thailand, filmed across Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, and Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

Economic and Tourism Impact: Success Written in Numbers

In Hawaii, bookings at the resort jumped by 386%, with a 425% spike in online searches.
In Sicily’s Taormina, hotel occupancy surged by 70%, and tourism revenues on the island rose 30% in summer 2023.
Following filming in Thailand, pre-bookings in featured locations rose 25%, generating over $36.9 million in direct economic impact.

#SanDomenicoPalace trended with a 700% increase on Instagram, and Google Trends showed search interest in the regions skyrocketed by up to 400%. Tour guides in Taormina started offering “White Lotus Tours,” and off-season business surged. This is not just tourism—it’s strategic, long-term promotion driven by storytelling.

Türkiye: A Natural Stage for Screen Tourism

Istanbul and Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus

Istanbul is not only Türkiye’s cultural and economic heart but also a city layered with centuries of history. Once the capital of three empires—Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman—it offers a cinematic blend of architecture, cityscapes, and storytelling potential. The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, a restored 19th-century Ottoman palace, sits on the edge of the Bosphorus in Beşiktaş. With its waterfront setting, elegant interiors, over 170 rooms, spa and dining facilities, and seamless blend of historic charm and modern luxury, it's a ready-made set for high-end productions.

What also sets Turkish hospitality apart is its authenticity. Rooted deeply in cultural tradition, the concept of welcoming guests is integral to the service experience. Staff go beyond professionalism to offer warmth, attentiveness, and a sense of home—qualities that elevate any filming experience into something truly immersive.

Türkiye's Standout Filming Locations

This list is just the beginning. With a landscape so rich and varied, Türkiye has far more to offer than a single article can contain. Every region presents its own story.

Cappadocia (Central Anatolia): Fairy chimneys, underground cities, and sunrise balloon rides.
Bodrum, Fethiye, Antalya (Aegean & Mediterranean): Premier beach towns, luxury resorts, and crystal-clear waters.
Izmir & Surroundings (Aegean): From ancient Ephesus to charming villages like Şirince.

Why Türkiye?

Unique historical depth: Ottoman, Roman, Byzantine, Hittite heritage
Year-round filming climates and varied terrain
UNESCO heritage cities and ancient sites
Robust hospitality infrastructure and competitive production costs
Strategic location bridging East and West
A rich cultural palette and world-renowned cuisine
A deep-rooted tradition of genuine hospitality

Productions That Promote More Than a Scene

TV and film shoots offer more than temporary boosts—they create lasting cultural presence. Audiences form emotional bonds with the locations they see on screen. And when they travel to visit those places, they support entire local ecosystems—from hotels and drivers to artisans and restaurants.

Türkiye has seen this firsthand:

Skyfall (James Bond) featured Istanbul and Cappadocia
Inferno spotlighted Hagia Sophia
Netflix’s The Protector gave viewers a dynamic, layered look at modern Istanbul

After each of these productions, interest in those areas visibly increased.

It's Time for Türkiye's Next Big Story

Series like The White Lotus have proven they can reshape tourism and perception. With its unique blend of history, hospitality, and breathtaking backdrops, Türkiye has everything it takes to host the next globally impactful production

The timing couldn’t be better. The next unforgettable scene might unfold at sunrise in Cappadocia, at sunset over the Aegean, or along the glittering Bosphorus.

All it takes is the word: action.