Some of the top names in the world of Bollywood have targetted Galway and the west of Ireland as strong locations for several Indian blockbuster movies to be shot over the next few years.

Tourism Ireland in India, in conjunction with the Irish Film Board, invited a group of acclaimed Bollywood producers, directors, and location scouts to visit Galway and explore the potential of numerous locations and scenic spots around the island for their next big Bollywood blockbuster.

Over a period of eight days, the Bollywood producers have scouted various locations around Galway and Ireland, including Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Lough Nafooey. Their itinerary also included visits to Leenane and Roundstone and an overnight stay at the g Hotel, made famous in more recent years by the Brendan Gleeson dark comedy, The Guard.

Last year, a Bollywood film shot on location in Dublin, entitled Ek Tha Tiger, which became one of the biggest-grossing movies ever in India and was seen by an estimated 100 million cinema-goers. Tourism Ireland is confident that the huge popularity of Bollywood films can deliver real benefits for Irish tourism, with films shot here helping to significantly boost awareness of Ireland among India’s growing middle classes who have the potential to come here on holidays. There is also a significant economic advantage for Irish towns and cities that host Bollywood film crews, in terms of the hospitality industry as well as other areas which have direct involvement to the filmmaking process.

“Bollywood is deep-rooted in the psyche of most Indians and in Indian communities across the world, and the films have a considerable influence on Indian travellers when they are deciding on their holiday destination,” says Niall Gibbons, Tourism Ireland chief executive. “We are delighted to have co-operated with the Irish Film Board to secure the visit of these influential Bollywood producers and directors for Galway and the west of Ireland.

“We know that film and television are recognised as strong influencers for prospective holidaymakers and Tourism Ireland regularly works with TV and film production companies, to facilitate the making of films and travel programmes around the island of Ireland. Films shot on location here, like Ek Tha Tiger, are really influential, helping to increase awareness of Ireland, to whet appetites among Indian travellers who are always on the look-out for new destinations, and to create a curiosity to come and visit the places where the film was shot.”