"The Crown" magic: how the series transforms London and Aberdeen into tourist attractions

The immensely popular TV series "The Crown" has sparked a significant buzz on social media and has also played a role in boosting tourism in the UK. According to a study conducted by the travel website Skyscanner, this drama has served as an inspiration for viewers worldwide to visit the UK.

It's noteworthy that searches for flights to Aberdeen and London, two of the most prominent filming locations, experience a rapid surge each time a new season of the series is released. This information is highlighted in a piece by Dailymail.

The storyline, partly based on the life of the British royal family, showcases many of London's iconic landmarks, including the Royal Naval College in Greenwich and the Mall in St. James's Park. The dramatized preparations for the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana also provide viewers with magnificent scenes in and around Buckingham Palace.

According to the article, the scenes from the third and fourth seasons were so captivating that the number of searches for flights to London increased by 21 percent on the day of the third season's launch, making London the most popular city in the world. Additionally, the series contributed to a surge in sales of blue eyeliner, inspired by Princess Diana's signature look.

Furthermore, a quarter of the 15,000 surveyed travelers in Skyscanner's recent Travel Trends report revealed that the popular show motivated them to plan a visit to the UK capital in 2024. Beyond this, Skyscanner observed a 21 percent weekly increase in global searches for London in the week following the release of the show's fourth season and a subsequent 50 percent increase in the nine days following, compared to the week before.

Aside from London, the series showcases the stunning Scottish Highlands, including Balmoral Castle, a favored residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Notably, global flight searches for the nearest airport to the castle - Aberdeen, just 30 minutes away by car - increased by 53 percent weekly compared to searches before the fourth season premiered.

Regarding the nationalities most influenced by "The Crown," Spain takes the lead. On average across all seasons, the drama led to a 34 percent increase in searches for flights to London from this country. German travelers also demonstrated a significant uptick in searches following the release of season three. The study additionally indicates that season four has inspired Australians, and the series enjoys a loyal following in South America.

Travel trends for 2024 reveal that more than half (54 percent) of UK travelers are inspired to visit international destinations featured in their favorite TV shows or series. Thanks to the compelling combination of history and iconic landmarks portrayed on screen, travelers from around the world are increasingly considering UK destinations for their travel plans after watching "The Crown."