A genius marketing move or a waste of money that's more flashy than effective? That's the debate that many destination marketers are likely having as they wonder if Tourism Australia's ad will be a huge win or a major interception.
From what we've seen so far, travel brands with Super Bowl teasers are staying away from the culture wars and focusing on sending neutral messages with universal appeal. And while it's important to draw attention to certain issues, it's refreshing to watch light-hearted advertisements, too.
Crocodile Dundee is a nostalgic figure in the U.S., and it appears as though Tourism Australia could be hoping to score with an ad on Super Bowl Sunday. A campaign could get younger and older generations interested in Australia. But would a pricy spot during the Super Bowl be worth it?
By emphasizing how San Francisco is integrating the highest levels of sustainability, technology, inclusiveness, charity and local cuisine into Super Bowl 50, the city is really emphasizing its forward-thinking value proposition as a tourism destination.
Priceline takes advantage of the Super Bowl's huge audience without dipping into its savings for a million-dollar ad during the game. It's a smart decision seeing as it's already among one of the largest travel booking sites worldwide.
Carnival is investing big dollars in a Super Bowl ad so it's smart to extend its life and impressions with an online component; however, that doesn't mean that either will be enough to significantly shift consumers' perception of the brand.
Not sure going to Disney the day after you win a championship is the best prize, but alongside "Virginia is for Lovers" and "I Love New York," the campaign is one of the most successful in the history of tourism.
Super Bowl attendees will need more than this map to navigate the region's far from well-designed transit network. However, this and MTA's Weekender map show a slowly improving design sensibility within the transit agencies.