Slam Dunk Marketing: Hotels.com Teams Up with NBA Stars to Unveil "Hotel like a Pro" Campaign
Hotels.com has stepped onto the court of creative marketing once again, this time enlisting NBA stars Nikola Jokić and Jimmy Butler to headline their latest campaign, "Hotel like a Pro." As the Official Travel Partner of the NBA for the fourth consecutive year, Hotels.com is set to unveil a slam dunk promotion that brings the unique travel experiences of professional basketball players to the forefront.
A Winning Lineup:
The "Hotel like a Pro" campaign, set to debut during the highly anticipated Christmas Day NBA games, features 10-, 15-, and 30-second spots showcasing Hotels.com's mobile app and the One Key rewards program. With NBA players often described as the "ultimate road warriors," the campaign capitalizes on their extensive travel experiences, spending half the basketball season on the road and in hotel rooms.
Creative Touchdowns:
The campaign introduces NBA players Peyton Watson and Jaime Jaquez Jr., who join forces with Jokić and Butler to share their own "hotel hacks" – insider tips and tricks accumulated during their constant travels. The ads not only spotlight the unique quirks of life on the road but also serve as a platform to promote Hotels.com's One Key rewards program and mobile app features.
In one ad titled "Pony Friendly," Jokić combines his love for horses with hotel scouting, teaming up with Watson to identify pet-friendly hotels. Meanwhile, in "Coffee," Butler, known for starting a $20-a-cup coffee shop during the 2020 NBA Restart in Orlando, educates Jaquez on the art of comparing coffee – a clever nod to how travelers can compare hotels within the Hotels.com app. Another spot sees Jokić leveraging the One Key loyalty program to plan a trip home, with scenes filmed at the Roosevelt Hotel and Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.
Beyond the Courtside:
The campaign extends beyond television screens, with branding and campaign elements making their way to arenas across the country and integrations in the popular NBA2K video game. Hotels.com's strategic partnership with the NBA is reinforced through this multi-faceted approach, solidifying the brand's position as a leader in the travel industry.
Navigating the Fast Break:
As consumers express a renewed interest in in-person experiences following pandemic-related restrictions, Hotels.com seizes the opportunity to highlight the joy of travel. Travel spending has seen a 3.5% increase year-to-date as of September, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Hotels.com's "Hotel like a Pro" campaign aligns with this trend, offering a refreshing take on the excitement and possibilities of hitting the road, emphasizing the brand's commitment to making every journey unforgettable.
"Hotel like a Pro" not only celebrates the partnership between Hotels.com and the NBA but also showcases the brand's knack for innovative and entertaining marketing. By enlisting NBA stars to share their travel wisdom, Hotels.com has crafted a campaign that resonates with fans, capturing the essence of adventure, spontaneity, and the joy of exploring new horizons – on and off the court.