British crime drama Peaky Blinders drives tourism boom in Birmingham

The popularity of the British crime drama Peaky Blinders has delivered a substantial economic boost to Birmingham, with the show credited with attracting visitors and generating approximately £66.97 million in tourism-related spending. The series, which depicts the exploits of a fictional gangster family in post-World War I Birmingham, has made the industrial city a destination for international and domestic tourists seeking to visit filming locations and immerse themselves in the show's distinctive aesthetic.

Screen-based tourism, also known as "set-jetting," has emerged as a significant driver of visitor numbers to cities and regions featured in popular television series and films. Birmingham's case demonstrates how cultural productions can reshape perceptions of lesser-known destinations and create economic opportunities beyond entertainment itself. Local hotels, restaurants, and heritage sites have benefited from the influx of visitors seeking connections to the show's narrative and settings.

The economic impact extends beyond direct tourism spending, as the phenomenon has raised Birmingham's international profile and attracted renewed interest in the city's industrial heritage and Victorian-era architecture. Local authorities and tourism boards have increasingly recognized the value of screen productions in marketing their regions, leading to greater collaboration between production companies and destination promotion agencies.

The success of Peaky Blinders underscores a broader trend in which television and film productions serve as powerful promotional tools for destinations. As streaming platforms continue to distribute content globally, cities and regions worldwide are discovering that featuring in popular series can translate into measurable economic returns and enhanced global visibility.