Marriott Hotel Advertising Strategies: Insights for Success

Mireille • June 19, 2023 • 7 min read

Marriott Hotel Advertising Strategies

In the grand theatre of the hospitality industry, where brands vie for the spotlight, one name consistently takes center stage – Marriott International.

With a portfolio that spans the globe and a reputation for excellence, Marriott’s success is no accident. It’s the result of a carefully choreographed performance, a symphony of strategies that harmonize to create a brand experience like no other.

At the heart of this performance is a powerful conductor – advertising. Like a maestro wielding a baton, Marriott uses advertising to orchestrate a captivating brand narrative, one that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impression.

In this article, we’ll take you behind the curtain to explore the intricacies of Marriott’s advertising strategies.

We’ll delve into their focus on loyalty programs, their innovative partnerships, their celebration of the ‘little moments’ in travel, and their multi-channel approach to advertising.

We’ll also examine their advertising spend and the role of advertising in promoting their new product launches.

So, sit back, relax, and join us on this fascinating journey into the world of Marriott’s advertising magic.

Whether you’re a hotel owner, a hotel manager, or simply a curious reader, we promise you an engaging, informative, and, dare we say, entertaining read. Let the show begin!


Marriott’s Advertising Strategies

A. Emphasis on Loyalty Program

1. The Loyalty Program’s New Ad Campaign

In the bustling bazaar of the hospitality industry, Marriott has found a unique way to stand out from the crowd – its loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy.

The company recently launched a new ad campaign that puts the spotlight squarely on this program, a strategic move that speaks volumes about Marriott’s understanding of its customers’ needs and desires.

The campaign, aptly titled “Marriott Bonvoy: The Power of Travel,” is a masterstroke of storytelling, weaving together the allure of travel with the tangible benefits of the loyalty program.

It is a siren song that beckons to the wanderlust in all of us, promising not just a hotel stay, but a journey filled with unforgettable experiences and rewards.

Wait we have more! For more information on marketing, check out our in-depth analysis on the Marriott Marketing Strategy.

2. The Strategy Behind Promoting Loyalty Programs

Promoting a loyalty program is not just about showcasing the benefits; it’s about creating a narrative that resonates with the customer on a deeper, emotional level. Marriott understands this, and their new ad campaign is a testament to their mastery of this strategy.

By focusing on the experiences and rewards that come with being a Marriott Bonvoy member, they are not just selling a loyalty program; they are selling a lifestyle, a way of travel that is enriching, rewarding, and uniquely Marriott.

B. Partnership with Yahoo for Advertising Platform

1. The Marriott Media Network

In a bold move that underscores its commitment to innovation, Marriott has partnered with Yahoo to launch the Marriott Media Network.

This is the hospitality industry’s first global omnichannel media network, a platform that allows advertisers to deliver curated experiences to millions of travelers.

The Marriott Media Network is a game-changer, a platform that transforms the way advertisers connect with travelers. It offers a unique combination of scale and personalized media, allowing advertisers to reach a highly targeted audience of high-intent travelers.

2. The Pros and Cons of This Approach

The partnership with Yahoo brings several benefits to Marriott. It allows them to leverage Yahoo’s industry-leading advertising platform, giving them access to a vast network of potential customers.

It also enables them to deliver personalized content experiences to their guests, enhancing their travel journey and fostering a deeper connection with the brand.

However, this approach is not without its potential drawbacks. The success of the Marriott Media Network hinges on the quality and relevance of the content delivered to the travelers.

If the content fails to resonate with the audience, it could lead to a disconnect between the brand and its customers.

C. Focus on ‘Little Moments’ in Travel

1. The ‘Here’ Campaign

In a world obsessed with picture-perfect travel, Marriott dares to be different. Their ‘Here’ campaign is a celebration of the ‘little moments’ in travel, the unscripted, unexpected experiences that make a journey truly memorable.

The ‘Here’ campaign is a breath of fresh air in the often-staged world of travel advertising. It eschews the clichéd images of pristine beaches and iconic landmarks, choosing instead to focus on the authentic, unfiltered moments that define a travel experience.

2. The Effectiveness of This Approach

By focusing on the ‘little moments,’ Marriott is tapping into a powerful emotional reservoir. These moments resonate with travelers because they are real, relatable, and deeply personal.

They evoke a sense of nostalgia, a longing for the simple joys of travel that often get lost in the hustle and bustle of modern life.

This approach is not just effective; it’s transformative. It changes the way we perceive travel, shifting the focus from the destination to the journey, from the extraordinary to the ordinary, from the seen to the felt.


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D.Use of Multiple Advertising Channels

1. Marriott’s Multi-Channel Approach

Marriott’s advertising strategy is a symphony of different channels, each playing its part in the grand orchestra of brand communication. From digital to print, national TV to social media, Marriott leverages a wide array of channels to reach its audience, ensuring its message resonates far and wide.

This multi-channel approach is evident in their recent campaigns. The ‘Here’ campaign, for instance, was not confined to a single channel.

It was a multi-faceted campaign that spanned digital OOH assets at key locations, a hashtag challenge on TikTok, and a separate social campaign on Instagram.

2. The Benefits of a Multi-Channel Approach

A multi-channel approach in advertising is like casting a wide net in the ocean of potential customers. It increases the chances of catching the attention of a diverse audience, ensuring the brand message reaches as many people as possible.

But it’s not just about reach; it’s also about engagement. Different channels offer different ways of engaging with the audience. A TV ad can tell a compelling story, a print ad can captivate with stunning visuals, and a social media campaign can foster direct interaction with the audience.

By leveraging multiple channels, Marriott is able to engage with its audience on multiple levels, creating a deeper and more meaningful connection with the brand.

However, a multi-channel approach is not without its challenges. It requires careful planning and coordination to ensure a consistent brand message across all channels.

It also requires a deep understanding of the audience and their media consumption habits to determine the most effective mix of channels.

But if done right, a multi-channel approach can be a powerful tool in the advertiser’s arsenal, one that can drive brand awareness, engagement, and ultimately, customer loyalty.

And Marriott, with its innovative campaigns and strategic partnerships, is a shining example of this approach in action.


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Marriott’s Advertising Spend

A. Overview of Marriott’s Advertising Spend in the Last Year

In the world of advertising, money talks. And when it comes to Marriott International, the conversation is quite intriguing. In the past year, Marriott has invested under $100 million in advertising, a figure that might seem staggering at first glance.

But when you consider the scale and scope of Marriott’s operations, it’s a testament to their commitment to maintaining a strong and visible presence in the market.

This investment has been spread across digital, print, and national TV advertising, reflecting Marriott’s multi-channel approach. They’ve advertised on over 250 different media properties across various formats, demonstrating a broad and diverse advertising strategy.

B. Correlation Between Advertising Spend and Success

The relationship between advertising spend and campaign success is a complex one. It’s not simply a matter of pouring money into a campaign and expecting success.

The effectiveness of an advertising campaign depends on a multitude of factors, including the quality of the ad, the relevance to the target audience, and the timing of the campaign, to name just a few.

However, there’s no denying that a higher advertising spend can increase the reach and visibility of a campaign. It can allow for more high-quality, engaging ads, more placements, and a broader reach.

In the case of Marriott, their significant advertising spend has enabled them to launch and advertise 156 new products in the past twelve months, a clear indication of their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

But perhaps the most significant impact of Marriott’s advertising spend is not in the numbers, but in the intangibles. It’s in the brand awareness, the customer loyalty, and the brand image that their advertising campaigns foster.

These are the things that money can’t buy, but a well-planned and well-executed advertising strategy can certainly help achieve.

In conclusion, while it’s difficult to draw a direct correlation between Marriott’s advertising spend and the success of their campaigns, it’s clear that their significant investment in advertising has played a crucial role in their overall marketing strategy.

It’s a testament to their commitment to connecting with their customers, innovating their offerings, and staying at the forefront of the hospitality industry.

New Product Launches

A. Overview of Marriott’s New Product Launches in the Last Year

Innovation is the lifeblood of the hospitality industry, and Marriott International is no stranger to this concept. Over the past year, Marriott has launched and advertised an impressive 156 new products.

These range from new properties under their various brands to innovative services designed to enhance the guest experience.

One such example is The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Portland, a testament to Marriott’s commitment to expanding its portfolio and offering diverse experiences to its guests.

B. The Role of Advertising in Promoting New Products

Advertising plays a pivotal role in promoting new products. It’s the megaphone that announces the arrival of these products to the world, the spotlight that shines on their unique features and benefits.

For Marriott, advertising is the vehicle that carries the stories of their new products to their potential guests, inviting them to be a part of these experiences.

But more than just promoting the new products, advertising also helps shape the perception of these products. It helps position them in the minds of the consumers, creating a narrative that resonates with their needs, desires, and aspirations.

In this way, advertising is not just a promotional tool; it’s a storytelling medium, one that Marriott has mastered over the years.

Conclusion

Summary of Key Points

In the grand theatre of the hospitality industry, Marriott International is a star that shines brightly. Their advertising strategies are a masterclass in storytelling, innovation, and customer engagement.

From their emphasis on their loyalty program to their partnership with Yahoo for an advertising platform, from their focus on the ‘little moments’ in travel to their use of multiple advertising channels, Marriott’s strategies are as diverse as they are effective.

Their significant advertising spend is a testament to their commitment to maintaining a strong and visible presence in the market. And their numerous new product launches speak volumes about their dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Final Thoughts on the Effectiveness of Marriott’s Advertising Strategies

In the final analysis, the effectiveness of Marriott’s advertising strategies can be seen in their strong brand presence, their loyal customer base, and their continued growth in the highly competitive hospitality industry.

Their strategies are a testament to their understanding of their customers, their innovative spirit, and their commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.

But perhaps the most significant testament to their success is the fact that when people think of a memorable hotel stay, they often think of Marriott. And that, dear reader, is the power of effective advertising.

It’s not just about selling a product or a service; it’s about creating a connection, a memory, a feeling. And that’s something Marriott has mastered to a tee.

The following sources were used to gather information for this article:

  • “Marriott’s New Ad Campaign Touts Its Loyalty Program in a Murky Direct Booking Future” – Skift. Link
  • “Marriott International Introduces Travel Media Network Powered by Yahoo” – Marriott News. Link
  • “Behind Marriott Bonvoy’s First APAC Campaign” – Campaign Asia. Link
  • “Marriott International Advertising Profile” – MediaRadar. Link

What is your take on Marriott Hotel Advertising Strategies? Let us know in the comments.

By Mireille
Meet Mireille, a marketing and tourism expert. She crafts compelling marketing strategies using the latest techniques to attract, engage, and retain customers. Her deep understanding of consumer behavior and attention to detail drive measurable results for business growth. Find her exploring the world for new marketing insights to help clients stay ahead.

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