Game of Thrones Studio Tour secures $4.5 million in funding

When it opens, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour will be THE definitive behind-the-scenes experience for GoT fans, and things are moving along nicely.

When it’s finished, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour plans to be the definitive behind-the-scenes experience for Game of Thrones fans. Located at Linen Mills Studios in Northern Ireland, where much of the show was shot, the tour will feature recreations of sets, costumes, props, a cafe (hopefully medieval-themed), a gift shop full of GoT merch, and more.

Originally, the experience was supposed to open this month, but then COVID-19 came along and threw a wrench into things. However, things are still moving forward, with local authorities recently giving the go-ahead for formal planning to begin. And now, the Belfast Telegraph reports that organizers have secured £3.5 million (around $4.5 million) in funding from Whiterock Finance.

From left, David Browne, director at Linen Mill Studios, David McCurley, director of Whiterock Finance and Andrew Webb, director at Linen Mill Studios

“Momentum is now gathering towards the creation of one of the most exciting visitor attractions in Northern Ireland’s history, one that will draw thousands of visitors from near and far, provide a host of direct and indirect jobs and underpin Northern Ireland’s economy at a crucial time,” said Linen Mills Studios director Andrew Webb. “The Game of Thrones Studio Tour has already generated huge excitement and interest among fans around the world and we expect it to play a significant part in rejuvenating the tourism sector on the island of Ireland in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.”

Whiterock Finance director David McCurley shares Webb’s rosy outlook. “When it opens next year, the Studio Tour will provide a significant boost to the local economy and benefit the whole of the Northern Ireland tourism industry,” he said.

There’s unquestionably a market for an exhibit dedicated to Game of Thrones, particularly in Northern Ireland, which was the show’s home base for shooting. I was worried that the project might stall or even die thanks to the coronavirus, since the odds of tourists showing up goes way down when people are afraid to mingle during a pandemic, but Webb and McCurley seem to be thinking that the project could help get the tourism section going again once the pandemic is over, which also makes sense.

The owners plan for the Game of Thrones Studio Tour to employ around 200 people when it opens, and hope that it brings in around £400 million (around $517 million) annually. Hopefully it pans out! When things calm down, I’d love to visit.

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h/t Blooloop