Expedia reveals set-jetting hotspots...

From Rome to Thailand, movie fans are searching for locations they love

Location, location, location. That used to be the mantra for what really matters in real estate, but it’s becoming increasingly important in travel and hospitality circles when destinations hit our screens.

From the tulip fields of Amsterdam to the tropical beaches resorts of Thailand, film and TV fans are flocking to the locations they see in their favourite films and TV shows.

This so-called 'set-jetting' has been hitting headlines thanks to season three of hit black comedy The White Lotus currently airing, and the recent Oscars ceremony shining a spotlight on places featuring famous faces.

Think it’s just a fad? Searches for Thailand from the UAE have already seen a 285% surge thanks in part to The White Lotus effect.

Although it failed to win big at the Oscars, Conclave has ignited interest in Rome and the Vatican by 115% from UAE travellers, and Amsterdam with its incredible tulip fields similar to those seen in Oscar-winner Wicked have leaped a magical 165%.

Expedia has listed the top trending destinations inspired by recently nominated films and critically acclaimed TV shows, with a rise in searches from UAE travellers for destinations showcased on screen.

Here's a rundown of Expedia's top set-jet locations.

Thailand
The latest season of The White Lotus is bewitching viewers and set-jetters, with Thailand seeing an incredible 285% surge in searches on Expedia from the UAE. Drawn by its amazing beaches in Koh Samui and Phuket and buzzing cities like Bangkok, there is a lot to love about Thailand, while film fans will also recognise key locations from films like The Beach and The Man With The Golden Gun.
Where to stay: For the ultimate 'set'jet' adventure, Four Seasons' 20-day private jet trip from 7 to 26 May 2026 (AED690,000) touches down in Maui in Hawaii, Taormina in Sicily and Koh Samui in Thailand where all three seasons of Lotus were filmed, plus five other destinations, including the Maldives. Alternatively, enjoy a four-night Anantara retreat that takes in two filming locations in Thailand's Koh Samui and Phuket, costing AED6,580, or check into the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, where a four-night stay on Expedia between 21-25 April 2025 starts at AED13,607.
Best time to visit: November to May

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand

Malta
Heavily featured in Oscar classic Gladiator and its recent remake, the Mediterranean Island is renowned for its ancient ruins and dramatic coastlines. A movie-making hotspot thanks to iconic locations, other movies shot here include World War Z, The Da Vinci Code, Troy and at least two Bond films.
Where to stay: Situated in capital Valletta's central district, just minutes from the seafront, the recently opened Courtyard by Marriott Sliema offers a rooftop pool with city views (from AED500 per night). Or, a four-night stay on Expedia between 12-16 April 2025 at The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, starts at AED1,674. The 17th-century hotel in Mdina boasts grand Baroque architecture.
Best time to visit: April to June or September to October

Courtyard by Marriott Sliema, Malta

Rome & Vatican City
The drama surrounding the election of a new pope, as depicted in Oscar-winning film Conclave, has raised awareness of Rome and Vatican City, with searches from the UAE up 115%. Rome is a familiar sight on our screens, popping up in everything from Roman Holiday to Mission Impossible, Fast X to John Wick, with the famous stairway fight taking place on ancient steps of the Scalinata dei Borgia.
Where to stay: The luxurious interior of the hotel in John Wick was filmed at Rome's Grand Hotel Plaza, with views of the San Carlo al Corso church’s dome. Alternatively, a six-night stay on Expedia between 9-15 March 2025 at Hotel della Conciliazione, starts at AED 4,096 per person. The hotel is steps from St. Peter’s Basilica, making it perfect for discovering Vatican City. Arriving soon, in spring 2025, the Orient Express La Minerva is housed in a palace originally built in 1620, just minutes from the Trevi Fountain, and has a rooftop restaurant and hammam baths.
Best time to visit: March to May

Rome skyline

Amsterdam
The tulip fields of Amsterdam, similar to those technicolour landscapes in the film Wicked, have sparked interest with searches up by 165%. Visit the Amsterdam Tulip Festival in April to admire the riots of colour and magical displays, just a short distance from the heart of the city. Other films made in Amsterdam include The Fault in our Stars, Diamonds are Forever, Ocean’s 12 and The Hitman’s Bodyguard.
Where to stay: A five-night stay on Expedia between 30-4 April 2025 at Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol, starts at AED1,287. The hotel offers easy access to the city centre and tulip fields such as the Keukenhof Gardens.
Best time to visit: March to May

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

New York City
Visitors to the Big Apple often comment that it’s like walking around a movie set as it has been the backdrop for so many films that it would be impossible to list them here. The latest big-screen bow came in A Complete Unknown, the story of Bob Dylan’s early career set in swinging Greenwich Village of the 1960s. The movie has driven a 70% rise in searches on Expedia.
Where to stay: Travellers can stay at the iconic Hotel Chelsea, a historic haven for artists, writers and musicians, with afour-night stay on Expedia between 11-15 April 2025 starting at AED4,500.
Best time to visit: April to June

Greenwich, New York