Discover Hidden Film Locations at Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show 2026
Explore Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan for your next shoot: how travel experts at Destinations 2026 can give filmmakers the insider knowledge needed to scout unique locations.
As travel trends evolve in 2026, more people are seeking destinations that offer authenticity, unique culture, and visually striking landscapes. For filmmakers, photographers, and other creative professionals, these emerging destinations also provide exciting opportunities for shooting and storytelling. Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, taking place in Manchester Central from 15–18 January and Olympia London from 29 January–1 February, is a prime place to explore these possibilities.
Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a destination for both tourists and creatives. Its dramatic desert landscapes, ancient rock-carved cities in AlUla, coral-fringed Red Sea coastlines, and modern urban architecture offer versatile backdrops for films, commercials, and photo shoots. The Film Saudi initiative supports international productions with:
- Up to 40% cash rebates for qualifying international projects
- Assistance with filming permits and location scouting
- Access to professional local crews and production support
- Guidance on cultural protocols and regulations
Previous international productions have already made use of Saudi Arabia’s landscapes. Locations such as the historic town of Diriyah and the dunes around the Empty Quarter have been featured in commercials, documentaries, and creative shoots. For filmmakers seeking dramatic, cinematic landscapes that are rarely captured on camera, Saudi Arabia now offers both incentives and infrastructure to make production feasible.
Kyrgyzstan, by contrast, is prized for its wild, untamed natural beauty. Towering peaks of the Tien Shan mountains, turquoise alpine lakes, rolling steppe, and traditional yurt villages provide striking visual opportunities. The country’s Film in Kyrgyzstan program offers:
- Up to 25% cash rebates for international productions
- Support from local film offices for permits and logistics
- Assistance connecting with local talent and production crews
- Guidance to remote locations that remain largely unexplored
Films and documentaries have already taken advantage of Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes for outdoor adventures, action sequences, and historical narratives. Its combination of affordability, breathtaking scenery, and support for international filmmakers makes it an attractive destination for creatives seeking fresh locations.
At Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, visitors can connect with travel specialists who provide practical advice for planning trips with creative intent. Exhibitors can share insider knowledge about location scouting, permits, local contacts, and opportunities for shoots, offering invaluable support for those hoping to combine travel with professional projects.
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
