Oxford's chief tourism officer has claimed that the release of the film, 'The Golden Compass' will generate an extra £15 million for Oxford from tourism.
It is predicted that the publicity generated by the film would push the numbers of tourists visiting the city to record heights – 10 million are expected in 2008, the highest ever. The City Council plans to launch a 'Lyra's Oxford' themed tour aimed at the 'set-jetters' who visit cities that are the sites of famous movies.
The adaptation of Philip Pullman's novel filmed several scenes in Oxford earlier this year, with locations including Radcliffe Square, Christ Church, and Exeter College, and adds to the list of many movies shot here.
Jane Lubbock from Oxford City Council told the Oxford Mail, 'People planning their holidays next year will see the film and it will remind them that Oxford is a great place to come and see. Set-jetting is going to be a new form of tourism.'
'This film is great news for Oxford.'
8.8 million tourists visited Oxford in 2006, and the final number for 2007 is expected to be 9.5 million.
Golden Compass to bring more tourists to Oxford
