1st International Scientific Conference on Film Tourism
Sárospatak hosted the 1st International Scientific Conference on Film Tourism, jointly organised by Tokaj-Hegyalja University and Kodolányi János University. With more than one hundred participants, the event focused on how the world of film can connect with tourism—and how film heritage can become a real engine for the development of rural regions.
One of the conference’s key messages was clear: film heritage is not only an exciting cultural treasure, but also a serious economic and community-building opportunity.
A scientific and practice-oriented hub at the meeting point of film and tourism.
A unique publication presents film locations across the Carpathian Basin, where not only the great films of the past, but also today’s blockbuster productions have come to life.
Film heritage
The event placed special emphasis on the outstanding film past of Tokaj-Hegyalja and North-Eastern Hungary. This region is the birthplace of Adolph Zukor, founder of Paramount Pictures (Ricse), William Fox, creator of 20th Century Fox (Tolcsva), and Tony Curtis, an iconic figure of Hollywood filmmaking (Mátészalka).
These life stories can provide a real foundation for thematic routes, tourism developments, and long-term regional strategies.
Professional dialogue
During the plenary sessions, experts explored the role film tourism can play in the social and economic renewal of rural areas. Connecting cultural heritage with experience-based tourism attracts visitors and, in the long run, strengthens local communities.
Dr. László Kulcsár spoke about transformation opportunities in rural regions, highlighting the community-building role of cultural and heritage-based tourism.
Keynote
One highlighted plenary event was the talk by Dr. Róbert Richárd Kiss. The dean of Kodolányi János University and associate professor at Tokaj-Hegyalja University presented the scholarly volume Film Locations in the Carphatian Basin, offering a comprehensive picture of the region’s film tourism potential and future directions.
He emphasised that film tourism is much more than a tourism product—it is simultaneously a communication tool, cultural heritage, and a complex development opportunity.
Rural development
During the plenary break, attendees could watch dances and enjoy film music performed for the audience.
After that, Ágnes Tóth, a rural development expert, spoke about development opportunities, presenting the options of the CAP programme and outlining possibilities in the agritourism sector.
Afternoon programme
The afternoon continued in three parallel tracks, where more than thirty speakers shared research findings and practical experience.
The impact of streaming services and TV series on destination choice, and Budapest’s film image in the light of international productions.
The film roots of North-Eastern Hungary, student research, the Hungarian Hollywood heritage, and how the domestic film industry operates.
Experience economy, smart tourism, AI-based measurement methods, and GDPR/data protection issues.
Day two
On the second day, participants joined a film tourism study trip. They visited the Adolph Zukor Memorial House in Ricse, the Cinemaqua Film & Nature Park in Kisvárda, and the Tony Curtis Coffee & Memorial House and the Adolph Zukor Cinema in Mátészalka.
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