The announcement was made on Saturday during Cineposium 2014 in New York City. For the first time in its 38-year history, Cineposium 2015 will be focused on one single topic: Film Tourism.

Barcelona Film Commissioner Llucià Homs was on-hand to receive the news. “Hosting next year's AFCI Cineposium is a great honor for the Barcelona Film Commission, and the city, of course. With 2,500 productions in 2013, and a 30% increase forecasted for 2014, we feel strong to lead the international film commissions' encounter with its discussions and debates about the future strategies of on-location filming,” said Homs, who also noted the city’s 20 million visitors each year. “Since Cineposium 2015 will specifically focus on the interaction of Films and Tourism, it turns (out) to be the perfect match for us.”

Film Tourism, while not a recent discovery, has become the subject of serious study and investment, due in large part to New Zealand’s success with the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. During the run of the first trilogy, annual tourism revenue doubled to US$6 billion, and the country is currently branding itself as “Middle Earth”. Increased study has revealed many other films and TV series that have boosted tourism around the world.

The Barcelona Film Commission acts as an intermediary between film professionals and the local government, providing information about the conditions for filming and the possibilities that each location can offer. If needed, they also intermediate with privately owned landmark buildings of the city. The Commission works to encourage production in order to both foster talent and increase activity, while also promoting Barcelona as a welcoming city for cultural and quality tourism. The Commission is in its 17th year and hosted a European record number of 2,500 productions in 2013.

Cineposium is the annual convention for members of the Association of Film Commissioners International. For 38 years, the AFCI has been the official professional organization for film commissioners who assist film, television, and video production. It is a non-profit educational association whose members serve as city, county, state, regional, provincial, or national film commissioners in their respective governmental jurisdictions. With nearly 300 AFCI Member Film Commissions on six continents, the film industry can almost always find an experienced, knowledgeable film office to support their production.