The popularity of the teleivison show "Breaking Bad," set and filmed in Albuquerque, has brought attention to the New Mexico city, bringing in tourism dollars as the influx of fans go to visit the setting of the show, according to USA Today.
"This happens all the time," Jesse Herron, a tour operator, says after a woman takes a photograph outside the house used as the home of the fictional Walter White, a drug lord on the television show.
"Breaking Bad" is about a chemistry teacher diagnosed with cancer who then turns to selling heroin, an unlikely story to inspire tourists.
Albuquerque was once mainly famous for its annual International Balloon Fiesta, though the city has now become a more popular filming location for television shows and films, with recent films such as "The Avengers" and "The Lone Ranger" both being filmed in the city.
Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, the stars of "Breaking Bad," both purchased homes in the city while the show was filming.
"Everyone in Albuquerque, no matter who they are, watches the show," Herron says. He owns the ABQ Trolley Company, which runs a "Breaking Bad" tour.
The influx of filming came after New Mexico became one of the first states to offer tax incentives to entice directors and producers to the region in 2002. The city then developed businesses, facilities and a labor force to supply the film industry, according to Ann Lerner, the director of the Albuquerque Film Office.
"We can support a plethora of looks here," Lerner said. The city is also in close proximity to Los Angeles, which works in its favor.
Some people in Albuquerque do have concerns about the dark themes of "Breaking Bad" being associated with city.
"The topic of the show is not our favorite thing," Megan Mayo Ryan, of the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau, said. They didn't promote the show until it was in its fifth season.
"I am confident that viewers have no difficulty distinguishing fiction from reality," Richard J. Berry, the mayor of Albuquerque, said.
Many businesses have found ways to capitalize on the popularity of the television show, such as selling "meth candy," which are pieces of rock candy that look like drugs.
Even with the end of the show approaching, residents expect fans to continue visiting Albuquerque as they discover the show on Netflix or the Sundance Channel.
Tour of "Breaking Bad" filming locations.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
