Harry Potter is the magic potion for tourism in the UK

Fans of fantasy Harry Potter Piled from the four corners of the planet to Scotland and the United Kingdom, creating billions of books on recipes, it is only growing almost 30 years after the first volumes appeared.

>> Quidditch is ready to give up Harry Potter Become a real game

>> Magic money: Harry Potter on British coins

>> Wands and Magic Formulas: An immersive exhibition on Harry Potter in Paris

“By the way, we say + Fabulo Rosso!”Sam Thorne, tour guide says “The Potter Trail” For about twenty followers of the famous little wizard. All repeat the formula while striking the wind with an improvised wand before resuming their explorations in Edinburgh.

“Here you will find Voldemort's grave…”The terrifying villain of the epic continues to guide, in front of his group of tourists of all ages.

They walk through Greyfriars Cemetery, where the graves bear names similar to several characters created by JK Rowling, although the latter does not admit to being inspired by them.

Kate Merson, 43, is enjoying the visit with her husband and two children. He came to Edinburgh for work and, like many Americans, jumped at the chance to explore his Scottish roots and satisfy his 9-year-old daughter's “Pottermania.”

At 20 pounds (23 euros) per person and several dozen participants each time, these hour-and-a-half guided tours of the Scottish capital's Gothic streets bring in big bucks. The “The Potter Trail” Led by Sam Thorne (or Potter's Bath) Victoria Street ends in many colours.

Priya Maru, a 27-year-old Indian resident of Toronto, queues in the rain in front of one of them, along with about fifteen other activists, wallets wide open.

Although she admits that she can find all kinds of derivative products in Toronto, “It was symbolic for me to buy some in Harry Potter town.”J.K. Rowling wrote the story that made her a billionaire.

At the Enchanted Galaxy store, a plastic “magic” wand costs at least 40 pounds (47 euros) and a limited edition sculpture of a character from the movies costs 650 pounds (763 euros).

“The shop is good, Harry Potter is more and more popular”Manager Monica Alcina notes that she declines to disclose her earnings.

Colin Bramwell, one of the hosts of the “Potter Trail,” leads a guided tour of the Harry Potter universe in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Photo: AFP/VNA/CVN

In the absence of new movies or books, interest was sparked in recent years by a hit video game that is now a classic drama Western border in London, and Fig Beautiful animalsA satellite story of the sequel, while waiting for the TV series to be ready.

After all, the family of followers is growing. First generation “Now introducing her children to books”Monica Alcina continues.

Shooting locations fuel the business

“Harry Potter is a great driver of tourism in Scotland”Jenny Steele of the Visit Scotland promotion agency explains.

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in Scotland, contributing £4 billion annually to the local economy.

But fans of the little wizard flock to England, York, the Cotswolds region, Oxford or London, to discover the shooting locations.

Warner Studios hasn't forgotten the behind-the-scenes attraction, which has seen 19 million people since it opened 12 years ago. A minimum entry ticket of £53 has crossed the threshold of a billion US dollars in revenue.

For now, J.K. Controversy over Rowling's stances, which were perceived to be inconsistent—earned her a lot of criticism and disapproval from the film's major stars, but sales did not decrease.

Sam Thorne speaks “treason”Because the universeHarry Potter Being transgender was seen as welcoming to those who feel different “Already one of the most marginalized communities”.

But no adverse effect was observed in attendance records. “We don't accept it but there is no impact” In sales, Monica adds Alcina.

AFP/VNA/CVN