In a world where wanderlust drives consumer behavior, travel advertising has become one of the most dynamic and emotionally-driven forms of marketing. From awe-inspiring visuals to immersive storytelling, the best travel advertising examples captivate audiences and convert interest into action. If you're seeking inspiration for your next campaign, these travel advertising examples will guide you through what works, why it works, and how to implement similar strategies.
Whether you're promoting a boutique hotel, a national tourism board, or a travel app, these ideas can help you stand out in a crowded market.
What Is Travel Advertising?
Travel advertising refers to the strategies, platforms, and creative efforts used to promote destinations, services, or experiences to potential travelers. It covers a wide range of mediums — from print and TV to social media and influencer partnerships — and is often deeply rooted in storytelling and emotional appeal.
Why Travel Advertising Matters
With the global tourism market estimated to be worth trillions of dollars, businesses can’t afford to overlook advertising. Effective travel ads do more than inform — they inspire action. They play a pivotal role in building brand identity, generating bookings, and fostering customer loyalty.
Types of Travel Advertising
Before diving into specific travel advertising examples, it’s helpful to understand the main categories of travel advertising. Each type has its advantages depending on your brand goals, audience, and budget.
Digital Travel Advertising
With most travelers researching and booking online, digital channels are now essential.
Social Media Advertising: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok allow for highly visual, targeted campaigns.
Search Engine Marketing (SEM): Paid ads on Google help capture intent-driven users ready to book.
Display Ads & Retargeting: Visual banner ads on travel blogs or news sites can keep your brand top-of-mind.
Traditional Travel Advertising
While digital is dominant, traditional advertising still holds power — especially for large-scale branding.
TV Commercials: Great for national tourism boards and large hotel chains.
Print Ads: Magazines like Travel + Leisure or National Geographic Traveler reach niche audiences.
Out-of-Home (OOH): Billboards, bus wraps, and airport ads target travelers on the go.
Influencer & Content Marketing
Many successful travel brands work with influencers or produce their own rich content to attract organic attention.
Travel Vlogs & Blogs: Detailed guides or cinematic experiences spark viewer interest.
Collaborations with Influencers: Leverage their followers to extend your brand reach.
Travel Advertising Examples That Stand Out
To illustrate the power of these advertising strategies, let’s explore some creative travel advertisement campaigns that have set a high bar in the industry.
Tourism Australia – Dundee Super Bowl Ad
One of the most memorable travel ads ever, Tourism Australia disguised a tourism promotion as a trailer for a new Crocodile Dundee film. Featuring A-list Hollywood actors, the ad aired during the Super Bowl and generated massive buzz.
Why It Works:
Played on nostalgia while offering a fresh twist
High production value and star power
Integrated campaign across social media and TV
Lesson: Don’t be afraid to take creative risks and think outside the box.
“I Amsterdam” Campaign
The I Amsterdam campaign turned the city’s slogan into a global brand. With a combination of city-wide signage, social media, and user-generated content, Amsterdam repositioned itself as a creative, welcoming hub.
Why It Works:
Memorable and simple branding
Empowered visitors to become brand ambassadors
Integrated storytelling across all mediums
Lesson: Sometimes, your best marketers are your visitors.
Airbnb’s “Live There” Campaign
Airbnb’s "Live There" campaign urged travelers not to just visit, but to live like locals. With storytelling ads and user-focused content, Airbnb differentiated itself from traditional hotels.
Why It Works:
Deep emotional connection
Positioning aligned with modern travel values
Strong visual narrative
Lesson: Speak to the values and desires of today’s travelers — authenticity, immersion, and community.
Visit Iceland’s “Let It Out” Campaign
In the aftermath of the pandemic, Visit Iceland invited travelers to “scream it out” into Iceland’s vast wilderness. People submitted their screams online, which were then played via speakers across the country.
Why It Works:
Emotional and cathartic concept
Viral social media engagement
Unique user participation
Lesson: Understand the emotional context of your audience and meet them there.
How to Create a Creative Travel Advertisement
Now that you’ve seen some inspiring travel advertising examples, how can you apply these lessons to your own brand?
Know Your Audience
Understanding your travelers — their demographics, interests, and behaviors — will shape everything from the tone of your message to your platform choice. Use customer personas and real data to guide your strategy.
Emphasize Emotion
Travel is an emotional decision. Whether it’s relaxation, adventure, romance, or self-discovery, tap into the emotions behind why people travel.
Invest in Visual Storytelling
Visuals make or break your ad. Invest in high-quality photography, video, or even 360-degree VR content to fully immerse your audience.
Choose the Right Travel Advertisement Network
Selecting the right travel advertisement network can significantly impact your campaign’s performance by ensuring you reach travelers where they are most active. Here are some key platforms to consider:
Google Ads: Excellent for search-based campaigns and remarketing strategies.
TripAdvisor & Expedia Ads: Perfect for targeting users actively planning trips.
Social Ad Networks (Meta, TikTok, Pinterest): Highly visual and effective for brand awareness and engagement.
The Trade Desk & Other Programmatic Platforms: Provide advanced targeting and automation tools to improve ROI.
7Search PPC: A cost-effective pay-per-click advertising network that allows you to promote travel services to niche and high-converting audiences. It supports various ad formats and offers targeting by location, device, and keywords—ideal for budget-conscious travel marketers looking to drive targeted traffic.
Key Takeaways
Blending Strategy With Creativity
The best travel advertising examples merge creative storytelling with data-driven targeting. Don't just advertise a place — sell a dream, an experience, or a transformation.
Stay Adaptable
Consumer behavior is constantly shifting. Be ready to adapt your campaigns based on feedback, new trends, and current events. In 2025, that might mean AI-enhanced personalization or sustainability-focused messaging.
Conclusion
Travel advertising is a powerful tool for inspiring movement — not just across borders, but in the hearts and minds of potential travelers. Whether you’re looking to launch a global campaign or a local destination ad, the examples above can help you craft a message that resonates, drives action, and leaves a lasting impression.
By understanding the types of travel advertising, embracing innovation, and choosing the right travel advertisement network, you can develop a campaign that inspires wanderlust and delivers real results.
