As a niche, literary tourism is growing around the world as people visit the homes or studios where noted authors, poets or artists lived and worked. London, New York, Paris, San Francisco and Rome are leading destinations for literary tourism.

A new report by Future Market Insights, a market research and analysis firm says that literary tourism is rapidly emerging as a strong niche segment of tourism around the world as people visit spots where their favourite authors or artists lived and worked.

The report by FMI says that literary tourism is booming, especially in locations with a rich cultural history and a long history. London is the top destination for literary visitors worldwide, followed by New York, Paris, San Francisco, and Rome in Italy in that order, it says. At least one well-known author, artist, or poet has resided in these cities.

The literary tourism market is estimated to reach USD 2.2 Billion in 2022. As per the report, sales are forecast to increase at 3 pc CAGR, with the market valuation reaching USD 2.96 Billion by 2032.

The report lists several important initiatives taken by cities, notably in Europe, to promote literary tourism. For instance, it says, the University of the Algarve, the Polytechnic of Coimbra, the University of Coimbra, and Nova University of Lisbon have joined forces to create a project to collect data regarding Portuguese literature between the 15th and mid-20th centuries and identify the places associated with key authors and works.

Places included are former houses of authors, monuments and statues, schools, coffee shops frequented, places of work, and so on. The data will be stored in a digital data bank and later publicly accessible through a virtual map. The platform was primarily created by academics at the collaborating institutions, and up to this point, little financing has been collected. Residents are encouraged to add their own content as part of the program’s platform contribution. Institutional stakeholders are involved in the effort through a consultation process that entails discussions at the earlier and final stages, including local and regional entities, educational agents, and professionals in the tourism industry, it says.

FMI says that by far the most popular destination for literary tourism is London, as the hub of literature for the entire world is located in the UK’s capital. More writers used it as the setting for their writings than were either born here or spent a significant portion of their lives doing so. A guided tour of the locations Sherlock Holmes visited, stayed at, or just mentioned throughout his investigations, particularly the fabled mansion in 221B Baker Street, will likely be enjoyed by fans of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens, respectively. Geoffrey Chaucer, John Keats, and H G Wells are among other well-known Londoners. Few people have never heard of William Shakespeare in the entire world. The renowned playwright was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, which has since grown to be one of the most popular literary tourist attractions in the world, drawing nearly three million tourists annually. Shakespeare’s birthplace, a museum, a theatre, and numerous other attractions can all be found here; Stratford is the ideal destination for bookworms, says FMI.

Beyond London and the UK, too, the cities like New York, San Francisco, Paris and Rome are extremely popular as literary tourism destinations, says FMI report.

It also adds that beyond these destinations, even New Zealand is encashing its rich Mori and Polynesian ancestry of New Zealand, as well as its pioneering past, that are major contributors to its unique literary legacy. Aotearoa, the Mori name for New Zealand, was told through oratory and storytelling before the written word. Ancient myths and legends are still told on many marae or Mori gathering places, today since they serve as the foundation for Mori beliefs.

In 1830, the first book was released in New Zealand. By the turn of the 20th century, writers were broadening the scope of their literary exploration to include themes of place, isolation due to geography, and the emergence of national identity. Today, New Zealand is home to a plethora of nonfiction publications, including history, popular science, and narrative nonfiction as well as magnificent artistic and commercial representations of traditional culture and modern art, it says.

In Hobbinton, imaginary locations including The Green Dragon Inn, Bag End, The Party Tree, and more are among the most visited tourist destinations, says FMI.