Bollywood on tour

THE Cliffs of Moher and Dromoland Castle could soon be seen by millions of Indian cinema-goers, with Bollywood producers and location scouts checking out the popular Clare destinations this week.

Some of the top names in the world of Bollywood arrived in Ireland to explore the potential of a number of scenic spots across the country for their next blockbuster.

The producers will no doubt be impressed with the magnitude of the Cliffs of Moher, which have already featured in a number of big Hollywood productions including The Princess Bride and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. They will get a chance to experience the luxury of Dromoland Castle when they stop off at the five-star hotel.

Tourism Ireland in India, in conjunction with the Irish Film Board and Northern Ireland Screen, invited the group of acclaimed Bollywood producers, directors and location scouts to visit the country.
As well as visiting the West of Ireland, the visitors will take in Dublin and Northern Ireland.

Last year, the Bollywood film shot on location in Dublin, Ek Tha Tiger, became one of the biggest-grossing movies ever in India and was seen by an estimated 100 million people.
Tourism Ireland is confident the huge popularity of Bollywood films can deliver real benefits for tourism to the island, with films shot here helping to significantly boost awareness of Ireland among India’s growing middle classes, who have the potential to come here on holidays.

Niall Gibbons, Tourism Ireland’s chief executive, said, “Bollywood is deep-rooted in the psyche of most Indians and in Indian communities across the world. The films have a considerable influence on Indian travellers when they are deciding on their holiday destination. We are delighted to have co-operated with the Irish Film Board and Northern Ireland Screen to secure the visit of these influential Bollywood producers and directors for Ireland. We know that film and television are recognised as strong influencers for prospective holidaymakers and Tourism Ireland regularly works with TV and film production companies, to facilitate the making of films and travel programmes around the island of Ireland.

“Films shot on location here, like Ek Tha Tiger, are really influential – helping to increase awareness of Ireland, to whet appetites among Indian travellers who are always on the lookout for new destinations and create a curiosity to come and visit the places where the film was shot.”