Have Power Bank, Will Travel
On the road, rail or in the sky, promotional products can make the journey easier and more secure
Travel and tourism is one of the largest industries in the U.S., generating $2.1 trillion in economic output in 2014. The number of U.S. airline passengers rose 2.5 percent in 2014 to 848 million, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. That means at least 848 million promotional products could be flying around the world in travelers’ purses, pockets and luggage, bringing brand awareness for your client.
If you’re a regular flyer, you know that today’s jetsetters have three things at the top of their minds: power for mobile devices, security for IDs and important documents, and anything that makes traveling easier and more efficient.
“Travelers need RFID-blocking wallets to store papers, itineraries and documents. They also need TSA-approved travel kits for their carry-on luggage and TSA-approved laptop bags that allow quick checks through airport security,” says Ron Williams, direct of marketing at Edgerton, Minnesota-based Fey Industries, Inc. (UPIC: Fey).
But whatever product clients choose, Williams adds, it’s the brand engagement that is crucial. “Given that the majority of travel bookings now take place online, make sure your travel clients provide a human face, voice and touch to their brand.”
Read on for great promotional product ideas that can transport your clients’ brands around the world.
Send Clients Off With These Items
Sometimes you just need a phone, a few cards and maybe some cash when you’re leaving the hotel for a night on the town. This silicone cell phone wallet features a mirror and slots to hold credit cards, ID cards and cash (holds up to three cards securely). The 3M adhesive backing is strong and also removable and reusable without leaving a sticky residue.
Essef Distributors UPIC: 7414140 www.lincolnline.com
Hide-a-band is a multi-functional travel item that can be used as a wristband or soda/beer can wrap. Features include a zippered pocket which can hold an ID, credit cards, hotel keys, money or change and car keys. It’s available in white, black, red, royal blue and fluorescent yellow-green.
Suntex UPIC: SUNTEX www.mainstsun.com
With this full-color stretch luggage cover, your suitcase will stand out and be protected from scratches and marks. The cover fits medium-sized luggage (21 inches to 25 inches) and is TSA compliant and machine washable.
Beacon Promotions, Inc. UPIC: BEACONP www.beaconpromotions.com
When you need power on the go, this portable power travel case is handy to have. It comes with a USB plug-in charger, USB car charger and ear buds, and it all stores neatly in a sturdy travel case. It’s ideal for travel-related companies and for any company event. The power travel case is available in four colors.
WOWLine UPIC: MANY0002 www.wowline.com
Travel in style with this lambskin duffle bag from the 81st Aero Squadron Collection. With a front zip pocket and two side compartments, there’s plenty of room for all your necessities. The removable, adjustable shoulder strap with a faux shearling pad means you can carry this bag in comfort.
Scully, Inc. UPIC: SCULLY www.scullyleather.com
For warmth without bulk, choose this lightweight down puffer jacket. It packs into its own pouch and can easily fit in a carry-on bag or in a luggage zipper compartment. Made from embroidery-friendly fabric, the jacket is wind and water resistant and machine washable. It’s available in men’s and ladies’ sizes: S - 2X.
Heritage Sportswear UPIC: HERI0002 www.heritagesportswear.com
With RFID-blocking technology, this carbon fiber travel wallet holds credit cards, passports and identification securely. The convenient size means it will fit into a purse or jacket/sports coat inner pocket. It contains numerous credit cards slots, an elastic pen loop and zippered closure.
Fey Industries, Inc. UPIC: FEY www.fey-line.com
Keep your belongings dry while you are boating or at the beach with the adventure dry sac. The fold-down closure doubles as a handle. Colors include orange and royal.
BIC Graphic USA UPIC: BIC www.bicgraphic.com
Charge your devices virtually anywhere with the portable high-quality Lithium-ion battery in this Energizer® 5200 mAh Power Bank. It includes a standard USB connector cable to charge the battery from your computer or any USB port with a power supply. Features also include dual ports, a power switch and a lifespan of up to 500 charges.
Prime Resources Corp. UPIC: PRIME www.primeline.com
Companies in the travel industry will love promoting their businesses—and standing out— with this 2 ¾ " x 3" NoteKeeper™ shoe magnet.
Magna-Tel, Inc. UPIC: MAGNATEL www.magna-tel.com
Create your own breeze while promoting your brand with this portable LED display fan. It makes standing in long lines at hot summer tourist destinations a lot more comfortable.
Global Promo UPIC: globalre www.globalpromo.net
Case Studies
United Airlines, which often receives letters from passengers commending the exceptional service from its crew members, wanted a new way to recognize employees for their superior performance. The development of a recognition team and the creation of a “Voice of the Customer” program provided a way to recognize and reward deserving crew members—positive customer testimonials are rewarded with a card redeemable for an annual subscription to a magazine of their choice. To further motivate exceptional service, employees receiving multiple accolades receive an additional card redeemable for movie tickets or DVDs and pizza.
Source: MediaTree
Each year Lufthansa chooses a different travel-related birthday gift to mail to its “eXperts”, a core group of travel agents who provide 80 percent of Lufthansa’s travel agent sales. In 2015, the gift was a TSA-approved zippered clear pouch with four tubes printed in full color featuring the branding of each partner airline. The complete pouch was packaged in a Tyvek envelope with additional message opportunities. The gifts were mailed out on a monthly basis to eXperts who had a birthday during that period.
Source: PAW Marketing, Inc.