THE TOP TOURISM FILMS OF 2024: A GLOBAL CELEBRATION OF STORYTELLING

Tourism marketing in 2024 saw the continued rise of video storytelling as a transformative tool for connecting with audiences. Destinations worldwide harnessed the power of stunning visuals and compelling narratives, moving beyond traditional advertising to inspire travel and showcase unique experiences.

At the forefront of this evolution was the CIFFT Rankings, an authoritative list recognizing the best tourism films of the year. Compiled through the CIFFT Circuit, a series of prestigious international film festivals, the rankings celebrated productions that elevated creativity and effectiveness in promoting tourism.

This November, the year's standout tourism films were honored at the World Tourism Film Awards in Valencia, Spain. Hosted by the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT) and supported by UN Tourism, the event spotlighted winners across five thematic categories, alongside two special awards: the CIFFT "People's Choice" Award and the CIFFT Tourism Press Award.

CITY PROMOTION: URBAN ADVENTURES COME TO LIFE

The City Promotion category highlighted films that captured the spirit of urban destinations.

1st Place (tie):

“Nazaré - Bigger Than Life” (Portugal): This film celebrated Nazaré’s legendary waves and cultural heritage.

“Wroclaw: City of Adventure” (Poland): A thrilling invitation to explore the vibrant energy of Wroclaw.

Other winners included Japan’s “So, the Story Begins” (2nd place) and Croatia’s “Operation 4” (3rd place).

REGION PROMOTION: LOCAL LANDSCAPES AND TRADITIONS

This category shone a spotlight on regional charm.

1st Place:

“To Be Albertan” (Canada): A tribute to Alberta’s natural beauty and community spirit.

Notable runners-up included Croatia’s “Make Your Own Movie” and Portugal’s “For sure, they are from the North.”

COUNTRY PROMOTION: NATIONAL PRIDE ON DISPLAY

Films in this category celebrated the cultural essence of nations.

1st Place:

“The Perfect Shot” (Switzerland): A cinematic journey through Switzerland’s picturesque landscapes.

Sweden’s “Sweden (Not Switzerland)” and South Africa’s “Tourism in South Africa with Trevor Noah” also captured global attention.

TOURISM PRODUCTS: EXPERIENCES THAT INSPIRE

This category highlighted unique attractions and adventures.

1st Place:

“The Ride of a Lifetime” (Switzerland): Featuring Roger Federer and Trevor Noah, this film combined humor and breathtaking scenery to promote Swiss rail travel.

TOURISM SERVICES: ELEVATING THE JOURNEY

Hospitality and transportation were at the core of this category.

1st Place:

“NURI: The Fisherman’s Daughter” (Portugal): A moving narrative rooted in Portuguese fishing traditions.

SPECIAL HONORS: PEOPLE’S CHOICE AND PRESS AWARDS

The People’s Choice Award went to Portugal’s “PORTUGALNTN, We Are What We Feel”.

The Tourism Press Award was given to Switzerland’s “The Ride of a Lifetime”.

TRENDS THAT DEFINED 2024

Tourism films this year reflected key industry trends:

Celebrity Ambassadors: Productions featuring figures like Roger Federer and Trevor Noah brought global appeal.

Humor and Relatability: Lighthearted narratives broke through the noise of traditional advertising.

Authenticity: Stories rooted in local culture resonated deeply with audiences.

Sustainability: Many films highlighted eco-friendly practices and heritage preservation.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The CIFFT Circuit 2025 is now open, promising a fresh wave of innovation and storytelling. As tourism continues to evolve, these films remain a testament to the power of creativity in connecting with travelers worldwide.

For more information, visit www.cifft.com.

Author: SeeSrpska