The Tourism Industry Association has thrown its support behind Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key as he visits Hollywood this week to encourage film studios to choose New Zealand for production and post-production work.
Association chief Martin Snedden said in a statement on Wednesday films produced in New Zealand were great for the country's tourism industry, boosted the economy and could leave a valuable legacy which lasted for years.
"Films like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit that showcase our stunning landscapes raise awareness around the world of New Zealand as a world-class visitor destination," Mr Snedden said.
"Our tourism industry leverages off that heightened interest to convert it into bookings."
An international visitors survey in 2004 completed after the release of The Lord of the Rings trilogy found almost 1.9 million visitors were aware the movies were made in New Zealand and 6% of those said the films were one of their main reasons for visiting.
The 11,200 hardcore movie fans who said the trilogy was their main reason for visiting in 2004 spent an estimated $32.8 million.
Tourism New Zealand research earlier this year found 57% of people already considering a trip to New Zealand were aware of The Hobbit and of those 87% knew the movies were shot here.
Visitors who are not fans of the fantasy films will take trips to the locations because they expect the scenery chosen by film-makers will be the most spectacular available to experience.
The Hobbit was filmed in part near Paradise and Glenorchy almost one year ago, as was part of The Lord of the Rings, about a decade earlier.
The Wakatipu is home to a small but significant film industry and has been used as locations for Jane Campion's television miniseries, Top of the Lake; the world's first "pavlova Western", Good for Nothing; the chase thriller starring Ray Winstone, Tracker; the Bollywood romantic comedy, I Hate Luv Stories; Wolverine, starring Hugh Jackman; and many international television commercials in the past five years alone.
The Lord of the Rings also spawned tourism operations around New Zealand such as Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours, Mr Snedden said.
"The success of these operations has a positive spin-off throughout their communities, with increased visitors and expenditure in downstream businesses such as accommodation, attractions, shops, bars, cafes, petrol stations and supermarkets.
"If we can attract more big-scale Hollywood productions here, it can only be good for tourism and New Zealand."
