Most city billboards today include a website address where people can be pointed towards more information. But for its latest marketing stunt, Airbnb set up a series of billboards for the Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon that encourage people to pick up the phone instead.
By calling or texting the numbers listed on the Airbnb billboards, people are able to access a phone tree and hear recordings from local Airbnb hosts on nearby spots they'd recommend checking out. Like a standard phone menu, people are able to "Press 1" for restaurants, "Press 2 for shopping and so on for other highlights of the area.
As well as paying tribute to a younger version of Brooklyn, this is an extremely novel way for tourists to discover the area, courtesy of Airbnb's vibrant community.
Phonecall Travel Billboards
Airbnb's City Billboards Encourage People to Call and Text
Trend Themes
1. Phonecall Travel - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating interactive phone experiences for tourists to discover new places and receive recommendations from locals.
2. Billboards Marketing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilizing billboards as interactive platforms to engage consumers and provide unique experiences.
3. Local Recommendations - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing technology that connects tourists with local hosts who can provide personalized recommendations and insights.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating innovative ways for guests to explore destinations and connect with local hosts.
2. Advertising - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Transforming traditional billboards into interactive marketing tools to engage and captivate consumers.
3. Tourism - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leveraging technology to enhance the tourist experience by connecting them with local experts and personalized recommendations.