Write 13 pages with APA style on Identifying Central Parks Effect on Movie Tourism. It is estimated that the Park accounts for almost 250 full-time equivalent film and television production jobs (Central Park Conservancy, 2009, p.28).

Workers in the film production crew generate close to $71 million in economic output in New York City. Through the multiplier effect, it is estimated that film production and tourism generate extra 366FTE jobs, as well as $ 64.6 million economic output in the City. The effect of the Park’s use as a site for film, TV and photography supersedes the economic activity in a direct and indirect way, generated by production. From around 300 million tourists from across the world, who watch the ING New York City Marathon on TV to millions of fans of movies such as Kramer vs. Kramer, Marathon Man or Spiderman, the Park is an invaluable site of the face of New York City showcases to tourists from different parts of the world (Central Park Conservancy, 2009, p.28).

Central Park has created a positive international image as a movie tourism destination. It is broadly acknowledged in tourism literature that a destination’s image highly impacts a tourist’s destination choice. Images of destinations play a big role in influencing the tourist decision-making process as the foundation for tourists to make a choice on where to visit. Butler suggests that movies can determine the travel preference of individuals who are exposed to the destination attributes and build a favorable destination image through their representation. Movies offer information on various elements of the country, the city and the park, such as nature, culture and people. This leads to the construction of the attitude towards the City. An interest in the nation and its positive image can ultimately result in an actual visit to the Park (Rewtrakunphaiboon, 2010, p.2).

The rising popularity of movie-induced tourism in Central Park can be attributed to the increase in international travel and the growth of the entertainment industry in New York.