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Why Travel Brands Should Invest in OOH Advertising for Spring Break and Summer Travel

Written by Wilkins Media | Apr 10, 2025 1:00:00 PM

As the peak travel seasons of spring break and summer approach, now is the time for tourism destinations, airlines, cruises, and hotels to ramp up their marketing efforts. One of the most effective and impactful ways to capture the attention of eager travelers is through out-of-home  advertising. From billboards to transit ads and digital signage, OOH offers unparalleled reach and influence, ensuring that travel brands stay top of mind as consumers plan their vacations.

The Power of Out-of-Home Advertising

OOH advertising is a powerful medium that reaches consumers in the real world, creating strong brand awareness and influencing purchase decisions. Unlike digital ads that can be easily skipped or blocked, OOH remains visible and unavoidable, making it an ideal channel for travel brands looking to make an impression. With travel demand expected to surge over the coming months, brands that invest in OOH can cut through the clutter and make an impact on potential travel decisions.

Effective OOH Formats for Travel Brands

Travel-related brands can take advantage of various OOH formats to engage potential travelers at multiple touchpoints throughout their journey:

  1. Billboards: Strategically placed along highways, city centers, and near airports, billboards provide high visibility for airlines, hotels, and tourist destinations.

  2. Transit Advertising: Ads on buses, subways, and trains reach commuters who may be planning their next getaway.

  3. Airport Advertising: Digital and static signage in airports target travelers while they are in the mindset of booking their next trip.

  4. Digital Billboards: Digital OOH displays can showcase enticing travel videos, pricing specials, and real-time deals.

  5. Street-Level Posters and Kiosks: Placed in high-foot-traffic areas, these capture urban audiences and vacation planners.

  6. Experiential Activations: Pop-up experiences or augmented reality (AR) installations engage audiences in immersive ways, making destinations or brands unforgettable.

Strategic Approaches for Maximizing OOH Impact

For travel brands to get the most out of their OOH campaigns, strategic placement and timing are key. Here are some ways to optimize effectiveness:

  • Leverage Data-Driven Targeting: Use location-based analytics to pinpoint areas where potential travelers are most active. Reach people where they live, work, and play. 
  • Incorporate QR Codes and Mobile Integration: Encourage immediate engagement by linking OOH ads to booking sites, promotions, or interactive travel guides.

  • Utilize Seasonal Messaging: Tailor content to highlight spring break and summer deals, early booking incentives, or limited-time offers.

  • Combine OOH with Digital Marketing: Reinforce messaging with CTV, mobile retargeting, social media, and influencer collaborations to create an omnichannel campaign.

  • Use Creative that Highlights the Experience: Travel isn't one size fits all. The experience can be very different for solo travelers, friends trips, couples, or families. Use the campaign creative to allow potential travelers to visualize what their trip could look like.

With spring break and summer being peak travel seasons, now is the ideal time for travel brands to invest in OOH advertising. By leveraging high-impact placements and innovative formats, tourism destinations, airlines, hotels, and cruises can effectively capture the attention of travelers and drive bookings. As competition intensifies, those who act early will have the advantage of securing the best placements and ensuring maximum brand exposure.