Iconic locations from HBO’s Game of Thrones will be immortalized as tourist attractions in a partnership between the cable network and Northern Ireland’s tourism board.
The fantasy epic is coming to a close in 2019 with the final six episodes, but that doesn’t mean the Game of Thrones legacy will end. As well as a planned spinoffs, HBO intends to boost tourism.
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According to The Wrap, the Game of Thrones Legacy attractions are scheduled to open in 2019, well timed for the final season in the second half of the year. The project’s official description promises it “will be on a scale and scope bigger than anything the public has ever seen.”
The description continues, “Offering the first opportunity for the public to set foot inside some of the most iconic locations from the series and behind the camera lens to see how the world’s biggest TV show was made.”
With much of Game of Thrones filmed in Northern Ireland, HBO aims to cash in on one of its most profitable shows by converting locations like Winterfell, King’s Landing and Castle Black into full-time tourist attractions. Considering Game of Thrones has been filming major storylines at all of those locations since Season 1, the landmarks have become as famous as the characters themselves.
There is also talk of the sets at Linen Mill Studios becoming an official Game of Thrones tour. Given the previous success of the Game of Thrones Touring Exhibition and Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience, HBO knows there is plenty of money to be made from expanding Westeros beyond the series.
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John McGrillen, chief executive of Tourism Northern Ireland said, “We couldn’t be more excited about the Game of Thrones Legacy project coming to Northern Ireland. While fans have seen the stunning landscapes, coastlines and mountains in the series, we are thrilled they will now have the opportunity to fully experience the charm of Northern Ireland and immerse themselves in to the world of Westeros.”
As well as visiting the likes of Winterfell, HBO teases that fans will be able to get up close and personal with props and costumes used on the show. Finally, behind-the-scenes experiences will give audiences a look at the work that went into creating Game of Thrones‘ impressive VFX scenes. Game of Thrones aficionados will be able to immerse themselves more than ever into the Seven Kingdoms, just as HBO’s award-winning spectacle comes to an end.