Can One Hollywood Movie Destroy an Entire Country’s Reputation?

How a Hollywood Horror Film Tarnished Slovakia’s Image but what happened to tourism?

In 2005, Eli Roth’s Hostel hit theaters and quickly gained notoriety as one of the most graphic horror films of its time. While horror fans around the world enjoyed the film’s shocking and gruesome storyline, Slovakia — named as the fictional setting for the movie — was less than amused. The film left an indelible mark on Slovakia’s global reputation, sparking backlash from officials and citizens alike, and raising questions about the ethics of such portrayals.

Interestingly, despite being set in Slovakia, Hostel was not filmed there at all. Most of its production took place in the Czech Republic, leaving Slovakia to bear the brunt of its negative association without even being a part of the production process. So, how did Hostel impact Slovakia, and what does the data say about its tourism after the film’s release?

Let’s unpack the story.

The Fictional Slovakia of Hostel

In Hostel, two American backpackers and their Icelandic friend travel across Europe in search of adventure and…