A new report from travel giant Expedia has identified a powerful force shaping our vacation plans: ‘set-jetting.’ The phenomenon, where travelers flock to destinations featured in popular movies and TV shows, is predicted to be a dominant trend for summer 2026. At the center of this forecast is a rather unexpected destination: Rhode Island, poised for a surge in popularity thanks to the upcoming debut of ‘The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.’
The Rise of Screen-Inspired Travel
Set-jetting, also known as screen tourism, has evolved from a niche interest into a mainstream travel motivator. It represents a fundamental shift in how we choose our destinations, moving beyond traditional guidebooks and towards the immersive worlds we see on screen. This trend allows travelers to step into the shoes of their favorite characters and experience the culture and landscapes of their beloved stories firsthand, creating a deeper, more personal connection to a place.
Why All Eyes Are on Rhode Island
According to Expedia’s analysis, the ‘Real Housewives’ franchise has a proven track record of spotlighting the luxurious lifestyles and dramatic backdrops of its host cities. The upcoming Rhode Island installment is expected to do the same for ‘The Ocean State.’ The report predicts that viewers will be captivated by the state’s scenic coastlines, historic mansions in Newport, and vibrant culinary scene in Providence, translating directly into travel bookings. Unlike fictional series, reality TV offers a perception of an attainable lifestyle, making the featured locations feel more accessible and desirable for viewers planning their own glamorous getaways.
The Data Behind the Trend: A Proven Economic Driver
The influence of set-jetting is not just anecdotal; it is backed by compelling data. A previous Expedia report revealed that 39% of global travelers have booked a trip to a destination after seeing it in a movie or TV show. The economic impact is significant and measurable.
We have seen this pattern before with incredible success:
- New Zealand: Tourism experienced a massive, sustained boom following ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, with the country now synonymous with Middle-earth and offering countless tours related to the franchise.
- Croatia: The city of Dubrovnik saw a dramatic increase in visitors wanting to walk the real-life streets of King’s Landing from ‘Game of Thrones,’ directly boosting its local economy for years.
- Paris: Streaming hits like ‘Emily in Paris’ have created a new tourist map of the city, driving traffic to specific cafes, bakeries, and neighborhoods featured in the show.
This history suggests that the projection for Rhode Island is built on a solid foundation of past successes in screen tourism.
Future Impacts: What This Means for Travel
For Destinations
For a destination like Rhode Island, this presents a massive economic opportunity. A successful feature in a popular show can lead to increased demand for hotels, tours, restaurants, and local businesses, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. We can expect to see tourism boards worldwide more actively pursuing partnerships with production companies as a core marketing strategy.
For the Industry and Travelers
The travel industry is adapting to this trend by curating specific ‘set-jetting’ tours and experiences. We can expect to see more travel packages themed around popular media, offering fans a highly immersive way to connect with their favorite stories. For us as travelers, it means our sources of inspiration are expanding. The next great vacation idea might not come from a travel magazine, but from the next binge-worthy series we watch.
As entertainment and travel become ever more intertwined, the set-jetting phenomenon is clearly here to stay. Expedia’s forecast for Rhode Island serves as a potent reminder of the cultural and economic power of our screens. As summer 2026 approaches, the travel world will be watching to see if ‘The Ocean State’ becomes the next breakout star on the global tourism stage.
