For some, Valentine's Day is nothing but an annoying reminder of heartbreak, and those looking to get back at an ex may find satisfaction in Hotels.com's dumpster-reserving promotion. In lieu of booking a hotel, the humorous marketing scheme invites single people to book a dumpster for their "trash ex". This humorous activation arrives with a fictional booking confirmation that can be shared on social media.
What is most exciting about this fictional reservation, is that it enters participants in a real contest, in which 15 lucky winners will be entered for a $300 Hotels.com gift card. Because of the current climate, the gift card arrives with no expiration date, meaning winners can redeem their stay whenever.
Image Credit: Hotels.com
What's Driving This Trend
- Anti-valentine's Day Promotion
- Opportunity for companies to create humorous activations and promotions for those not celebrating Valentine's Day.
- Alternative Booking Options
- The option to book something unconventional, like a dumpster, can provide a unique and memorable experience for customers.
- Real Contest with Fictional Booking
- Offering customers a chance to win a prize through a fun and creative contest can help increase brand engagement and awareness.
Who This Affects Most
- Hospitality
- Hotels and other hospitality companies can benefit from creating unconventional booking experiences in order to attract customers.
- Marketing and Advertising
- Marketing and advertising firms can help companies create creative campaigns that leverage current events, holidays, and cultural moments.
- Retail and E-commerce
- Retail and e-commerce companies can use humorous and unconventional promotions as a way to engage customers and increase brand loyalty.
