Game of Thrones y sus epitextos. El viaje de las audiencias desde la pantalla a los atractivos turísticos audiovisuales

Lorena Farras-Perez; Jorge Nieto-Ferrando; Rafael Ventura

doi:10.4185/rlcs-2026-2661

Authors

Lorena Farras-Perez Universitat de Lleida https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3519-2380
Jorge Nieto-Ferrando Universitat de Lleida https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3075-2636
Rafael Ventura Universitat de Lleida https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1219-9956

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4185/rlcs-2026-2661

Keywords:

audiovisual tourism, Game of Thrones, epitexts, projected image, perceived image, visit motivation, audiovisual tourist attractions

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to analyze how the process of searching for information about tourist destinations and attractions depicted in Game of Thrones can improve/worsen the perceived image of these places, increase/decrease the intention to visit, and even transform these intentions into actual visits. Methodology: Twenty semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with viewers who had watched the series and visited one of its locations. Results: Consuming epitexts related to Game of Thrones enhances the image of attractions and destinations generated by the series, links real-world locations to those of fantasy, and increases visit intentions and expectations. Discussion: Given the above, it is necessary for managers and the tourism industry to understand the processes and information channels through which a viewer goes from the screen to visiting an audiovisual tourism attraction. This will contribute to the production of epitexts that link the settings of audiovisual fiction to tourist attractions. Conclusions: Ultimately, we found that the search for information about the locations depicted in the series is its first and essential behavioral effect, which underscores the need to generate epitexts that connect the settings to audiovisual tourist attractions.

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Author Biographies

Lorena Farras-Perez, Universitat de Lleida

A pre-doctoral researcher in training in the Department of Philology and Communication at the University of Lleida, where she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Territory, Heritage, and Culture. Her dissertation is titled “Analysis of Communication Strategies in Natural Parks.” She is a member of the Research Group on Transformations in Audiovisual Media and Their Implications for Political, Cultural, and Social Development (GRUPO-TRAMA). She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, a master’s degree in Scientific, Medical, and Environmental Communication, and a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA). She contributes weekly to the newspaper La Vanguardia. She is the author of the books *Esteriors Ecològics* (Promopress), *Mur al Descobert* (Bresca Editorial), and *Cuits pel Clima* (Bresca Editorial).

Jorge Nieto-Ferrando, Universitat de Lleida

Associate Professor of Audiovisual Communication at the University of Lleida. His research focuses on tourism induced by audiovisual fiction, film theory and criticism, and media history. He has been the principal investigator of the projects funded by the Spanish State Research Agency (AERIS) “Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the factors in audiovisual fiction that induce tourism and their effects on audiences and potential tourists” and “Analysis of the effects of audiovisual fiction on tourist destinations and tourist experiences.” He is the author of over one hundred publications, including articles, books, and book chapters. He has received several research awards.

Rafael Ventura, Universitat de Lleida

Lecturer in Audiovisual Communication and Journalism at the University of Lleida. His research focuses on the role of media in the socialization of gender and sexuality, with particular attention to media effects and LGBTQ representation in audiovisual content. He has been a visiting researcher at international institutions such as San Francisco State University (USA), the University of Antioquia (Colombia), and the University of Leicester (UK). His doctoral thesis was awarded a prize by the Catalan Audiovisual Council (CAC), reinforcing his commitment to the critical analysis of media discourse and its impact on the construction of identities.

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