One of the best places to find creativity is in travel ads. Fresh ideas and stories float around with every upcoming vacation season- some beyond belief, while others are simple yet impressive. 

But with hundreds of places seeking to attract tourists, it takes work to advertise travel online. You need to tell your story in a way that hasn't been told before, add some extra twists, and make it entertaining.

Even if travel ads aren't what you're looking to make, drawing inspiration from their unique storytelling and other creative elements will take your advertising to the next level. There is something to learn in everything.

So, what are these creative elements that we're talking about? Let's discover them through these 8 successful travel ads. 

8 Successful Travel Ads Examples 

1) The Swedish Number 

Does the number +46 771 793 336 ring a bell? With thousands of Swedes at the end of this number willing to answer, it sure does. 

To prove that everyone in Sweden can speak their mind, Sweden's tourism board decided to connect Swedes with people all over the globe. They created one of the biggest switchboards in the world that supported incoming phone calls from any country 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This switchboard connects you to a random Swede, all of whom come from different backgrounds and have different opinions about the country. It can be John, the truck driver, or Elizabeth, the pharmacist, and you can chat about literally anything- the northern lights, politics, hiking, gay rights, or a crime novel. 

This travel ad campaign won hearts and calls from over 186 countries. By igniting a real personal connection between people, the campaign relies on the words of the netizens.

2) Is it even a city by Visit Oslo 

Norwegian humor is on another level, and this travel ad campaign is a testament to it. 

When travel advertisements are about happy smiles and scenic views, Oslo takes a different approach. Halfdan, our star of the campaign and a resident of Oslo, walks around his hometown with a deadpan expression, trying to find the city's appeal. "Is it even a city?" he wonders while showing off Oslo's mellow vibe, the ability to easily get a table at a restaurant or bump into the royal family just around the corner. 

'It's not exactly the Mona Lisa,' he says while subtly standing in front of The Scream, one of the most renowned paintings. 

'I think the city should feel a little hard to get. It's like a good relationship. It's not supposed to be easy.' is another one of his incredibly humourous lines depicting the openness, approachability, and lack of elitism of the city.  This out-of-the-cliche ad with doses of irony keeps your attention till the end and is one of the most viral travel ads ever. 

3) Iceland. Better than Space. 

If you've ever thought of spending $1,000,000 on space travel, think again.

As space tourism continues to take off (and face delays), Iceland encourages budding space tourists to explore the country at a fraction of the cost instead. With abundant beautiful views of our planet, it is time we took a trip much closer to home. 

The ad portrays a space traveler whose flight gets delayed, compelling him to pick an alternative (one that doesn't cost a million dollars and has oxygen)- Iceland! His journey through the landscapes, the northern lights, fresh food, air, and natural hot tubs makes you not want to leave Earth. 

Space tourism has been in hype recently, and associating with it somehow has been a clever approach on behalf of Iceland. Being goofy is just one element, but the idea of investing in your own planet and exploring the unexplored brings life to this travel ad. 

4) Meaningful Relationship by Thailand 

What comes to your mind when someone says, 'I have a relationship in Thailand'?

Thailand's recent creative travel ad portrays tourists from a few different countries, all exploring the nooks of Thailand in their way. It encourages tourists to look beyond their bucket lists and plan itineraries to form genuine relationships with themselves, local people, community, culture, and even Thailand. They make a promise of tasting explosive flavors with lifelong friends, cherished memories of dancing in vibrant festivals, and peaceful moments at the beaches. 

The campaign finds tune with the traveler's heart and asks them to follow it- building an emotional connection during their time in Thailand. 

5) Made in Singapore 

Singapore. Where things are made a little.. unexpected. 

The Made in Singapore campaign aims to highlight the diverse Singaporean experiences—from iconic moments to hidden gems. By including Forest Baths and Air Shows made exclusively in Singapore, the ads highlight turning ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. The idea is to visualize not only the vibrant and cosmopolitan areas but also the multicultural heritage of the country. 

This campaign flows with unique travel ads and billboards that follow the individual passions of travelers and leverage the thrill of new possibilities. 

6) British Airways- A British Original 

Business. Leisure. Or Something Else. What is the purpose of your visit? 

In a multi-channel campaign launched in 2023, British Airways pays tribute to the airline's people, customers, and nation as a whole. By asking the question everyone gets asked the moment they land in a new place, the answers come in phrases that completely differ from the usual business or leisure. 

From the witty 'It's what she would have wanted' to the sensitive 'To show the kids where we're really from,' the campaign created over 500 individual print travel ads, digital and outdoor executions, and 32 short films. 

The campaign offers tailored messaging to a segmented and diverse audience based on the purpose of their travel, effectively creating an emotional connection with them all. 

7) Expedia: Travel Yourself Interesting

Remember the time when you sat as an outsider while people around you had so much to say?

Expedia hits this emotional chord by setting out the campaign phrased as 'Travel Yourself Interesting.' The major idea of the campaign revolves around acknowledging the value of travel. The dramatic effect that traveling makes you more of an interesting person holds some truth. The campaign encourages viewers- whether you're an office clerk, a magician, or an elite- to embark on their own individual journey.  

The campaign relied on relatability and entertaining characters that resonated with the daily experiences of the audience, making the travel ad a success. 

8) KLM's Hologram Bar 

Imagine stepping into an airport  booth and finding yourself face-to-face with a stranger, willing to exchange travel and culture tips 

KLM's hologram campaign bridged distances by using holographic technology to create life-size, real-time projections of people from different parts of the world. Travelers can simply step into booths and engage in a heartfelt conversation with travelers going in the opposite direction.  

This innovative campaign highlighted the emotional essence of travel, connecting hearts and minds across continents with an enhanced technological experience. 

What's The Ultimate Take?

The elements driving creativity in all the travel ads are similar but vary in their application. Here's to list a few- 

• Immersive Storytelling

• Captivating Visuals 

• Emphasis on Authenticity and Diversity

• Emotional Connection and Humor 

• Personalized and Tailored Messaging 

• Omnichannel Integrations 

The intermingling of all these elements contributes to the success of the above travel ads.

A convincing story highlights a country's diversity and authenticity, and you can learn how to present even mundane things extraordinarily. It considers how to approach different travelers from all over the world and focuses on their individual experiences. The strongest travel ads always form an emotional connection with the viewers, whether through their problems or by humor. 

Conclusion

Now that you know what works in travel advertising and have some of the best examples in hand, it's time to make your own. 

But remember, advertising travel ads should never solely focus on creativity. It should be a careful balance of strategy, creativity, and data insights. Travel companies can start advertising by connecting with their audience, crafting ads that leave a lasting impression, and tracking their spending. 

And if you're worried about having a limited budget, we have some good news for you. A travel advertising network like 7Search PPC can connect you directly with travel website publishers, ensuring that your ads get seen by relevant audiences and fellow travelers. 

So.. is it time for a trip to an advertising network yet? 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Why are travel ads important? 

Ans: Advertising travel ads are important to attract potential travelers and tourists by building visual appeals and narratives. 

Why should I focus on creativity? 

Ans: While the number of travelers is huge, the competition in the travel industry is just as high. This makes it extremely essential to focus on creativity and stand out after beating the competition. 

How can I make the most of travel advertising? 

Ans: You can make the most of advertising by publishing travel PPC ads. By registering with a good travel advertising network, you can connect with your audiences, pay only when someone clicks on your ad, bid for the topmost ad space, and check analytics. 

What counts as a successful travel ad? 

Ans: A successful travel ad is not always the one that wins awards. Conversions, bookings, and tourists are what make travel ads successful. 

Which is the best travel advertising network? 

Ans: 7Search PPC is one of the best travel advertising networks that gives you a full advertising package. You can easily publish ads at a cost-effective rate and stand out from your competitors. 

More References

Advertising Solutions For Your Travel Agency: Best Ways To Gain New Leads

Travel Advertising: Increase Your Travel Agency Reach With PPC Ads

PPC For The Travel Industry

Best Ad Networks For Travel Advertisements