Following the highly anticipated release of Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator II’ in late 2024, the historic landscapes of Malta and Morocco have officially become two of the most sought-after destinations for international travelers in 2026. As film tourism continues to dominate global travel trends, fans are flocking to the Mediterranean and North Africa to walk in the footsteps of ancient Roman gladiators.
Fort Ricasoli: Malta’s Cinematic Colosseum
In Malta, the 17th-century Fort Ricasoli has once again captured the world’s imagination. Situated on a promontory guarding the Grand Harbour of Valletta, the historic fortification was extensively transformed to serve as the Roman Colosseum, just as it did for the original blockbuster film in 2000.
The Maltese government heavily backed the production, viewing it as a massive marketing opportunity for the nation’s tourism sector. Official figures reveal that ‘Gladiator II’ benefited from a record-breaking cash rebate of approximately €47 million, equating to around $48 million. This was part of a broader national scheme offering international productions up to a 40 percent rebate on eligible expenditures. While this substantial public investment sparked domestic debate during production, the long-term tourism dividends are clearly materializing in 2026. Previous economic impact assessments by the Malta Film Commission estimated that every euro distributed in cash rebates generates up to €3 in gross value added to the local economy. Today, harbor cruises and guided historical tours around Fort Ricasoli and the nearby village of Kalkara are seeing remarkable booking numbers from movie enthusiasts.
Ouarzazate: The Hollywood of Africa
Across the Mediterranean, the Moroccan city of Ouarzazate serves as the rugged, sun-baked backdrop for the film’s opening sequences set in Numidia. Long celebrated as the Hollywood of Africa, Ouarzazate is home to the sprawling Atlas Corporation Studios, which encompasses over 30,000 square meters of desert landscapes.
For ‘Gladiator II’, the production utilized the region’s vast expanses and existing massive sets, including architectural elements repurposed from Scott’s 2005 epic ‘Kingdom of Heaven’, to bring the ancient world to life. Supported by Morocco’s competitive 20 percent cash rebate for foreign film productions, the local economy saw significant direct investment during the shoot. Furthermore, nearby marvels like the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou are experiencing a renewed influx of international visitors. Travel agencies are reporting a substantial year-over-year increase in bookings for multi-day desert tours that feature the exact gladiator training grounds and ancient markets seen on screen.
The Future Impact on Global Travel
Looking ahead, the ‘Gladiator II’ phenomenon is expected to leave a lasting legacy on the tourism infrastructure of both nations. Industry analysts project that the cinematic exposure will sustain a multi-year tourism surge, mirroring the decades-long visitor boom other Mediterranean locations experienced following major fantasy and historical franchises.
For Malta, the focus is now shifting toward preserving these historic coastal sites while safely accommodating the influx of film tourists and utilizing Fort Ricasoli as a premier cultural venue. Meanwhile, Morocco is successfully leveraging this heightened visibility to market its southern desert regions as year-round cultural hubs, moving beyond their traditional peak seasons. As 2026 progresses, the synergy between blockbuster filmmaking and international travel continues to prove its immense economic power, solidifying Malta and Morocco as prime destinations for travelers eager to experience the grandeur of the ancient world.
