Film tourism generates €600 million annually in Italy, says JFC research

other · 2026-07-10

A presentation by JFC Tourism & Management at BIT highlights that film and television tourism in Italy brings in €600 million each year, resulting in 1.3 million overnight stays and over 11 million daily visits to cinematic locations. Francesco Lopez, a director and producer who established OZ FILM in 2002, reflects on cinema's cultural influence on regions. He has collaborated with notable figures such as Sergio Rubini and Nanni Moretti. Currently, he is working on 'La Meraviglia del Mondo,' featuring Riccardo Scamarcio and others, which explores Frederick II. Lopez believes cinema encourages us to appreciate and narrate a territory's story, aiding in the preservation of its cultural identity. He references 'City of God' as a travel inspiration to Maranhão, Brazil. The film showcases real sites including Palermo and Naples.

Key facts

Film tourism generates €600 million annually in Italy.
1.3 million overnight stays and 11 million daily visits are attributed to film tourism.
Research by JFC Tourism & Management presented at BIT.
Francesco Lopez is director, producer, and executive producer.
Lopez founded OZ FILM in 2002.
He worked with Sergio Rubini, Nanni Moretti, Ermanno Olmi, Gabriele Salvatores.
Currently filming 'La Meraviglia del Mondo' about Frederick II.
Cast includes Riccardo Scamarcio, Lino Musella, Alessandro Haber, Tommaso Ragno.
Lino Musella won David di Donatello 2026.
Authentic locations: Palermo, Jesi, Castello di Barletta, Castello di Melfi, Naples, University of Federico II.
Lopez cites 'City of God' as inspiration for travel to Maranhão, Brazil.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

JFC Tourism & Management
BIT
OZ FILM
Artribune
University of Federico II

Locations

Italy
Puglia
Palermo
Jesi
Castello di Barletta
Castello di Melfi
Naples
Spaccanapoli
Maranhão
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
Albania
Basilicata
Lucania

Sources

Artribune — 2026-07-10