The Borat effect : film-induced tourism gone wrong

Abstract

This research estimates the economic impact of an increase in tourism to Kazakhstan as a result of the film Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, released in 2006. The film, controversial for its shock value, portrayed Kazakhstan in a negative light, yet raised awareness of the country as a tourist destination. Despite the negative depiction of Kazakhstan, international tourist expenditure increased by 6.4%. However, the increase in tourism was estimated to have an overall adverse effect on the economy. This adverse effect on the rest of the economy overshadowed the positive benefits of tourism.