In game day ad, Expedia and Ewan McGregor promote experiences over stuff

Expedia's Travel the Ads sweepstakes gives away travel experiences inspired by commercials

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Feb 09, 2022, 10:00 ET

SEATTLE, Wash., Feb. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Expedia® released its new ad, reminding viewers it's the experiences in life that matter most – not the stuff. During Sunday's big game, when many commercials seek to sell more things, Expedia's contrasting message, delivered by acclaimed actor and intrepid traveler, Ewan McGregor, challenges viewers to prioritize the meaningful life experiences gathered through travel. To help people discover the value of experiences over things for themselves, Expedia will turn other game day ads into chances to get away with its Travel the Ads sweepstakes.

In game day ad, Expedia and Ewan McGregor promote experiences over stuff

The sweepstakes will take place on Twitter during Sunday's big game, when Expedia will engage with viewers in real-time, drawing trip ideas from the night's biggest spots. Prizes will be awarded to up to 20 winners in the form of Expedia Rewards points and valued at a total of $120,000.

"During the game, we're turning every other commercial into a chance to travel," said Hector Muelas, senior vice president of global creative for Expedia. "Sure, stuff is great, but travel is a more powerful vehicle for meaningful experiences and that's what we've missed over these past few years."

Here's how to have a chance to win during this Sunday's game:

Follow @Expedia on Twitter
Quote retweet a tweet from @Expedia relating to the commercial spots airing during the entry period; and include the hashtag #TravelTheAds

The Travel the Ads sweepstakes begins at 3:30 p.m. PST on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022. Prizes include 19 first place prizes valued at $5,000 and one grand prize valued at $25,000. In order to be awarded a prize, winners must be Expedia Rewards members. It's free and easy to sign up, and membership comes with benefits, including instant access to member-only discounts of 10% off or more on thousands of hotels. See full sweepstakes rules and restrictions at https://www.expedia.com/TravelTheAds.

Made To Travel

Expedia today released a look at "Stuff," its new :60 ad featuring McGregor and the brand's new tagline, Made to Travel. The commercial shows McGregor walking through various production sets for commercials touting stuff — a trendier perfume, a thinner TV, a smarter smartphone — and exiting the studio to walk out to a beautiful beach, asking viewers, "Will we regret the things we didn't buy? Or the places we didn't go?" In addition to inspiring the traveler in everyone, there are hidden Easter eggs throughout the commercial that pay homage to classic ads. It's up to the viewers to spot them.

"Travel is an important part of my life and it's given me such wonderful memories. It's made me grow and I think it feeds your soul to travel," McGregor said. "I've learned that life is more about experiences than owning things. This ad fits me. It's a cheeky look at the stuff we're being sold all the time versus inspiring people to travel."

Expedia's first gameday ad in more than a decade was produced by Anomaly's LA office and the :30 version will air in the U.S. and Canada during the first quarter of Sunday's big game, which will be broadcast on Feb. 13, 2022. Fans can view the spot on YouTube.

About Expedia:
Expedia® is one of the world's leading full-service travel brands, with a mission of helping travelers get the most out of every trip they take by providing everything they need all in one place, ensuring they are getting the most out of every trip they take, and above all else, feel supported every step of the way.

Our commitment to insights matched with our unprecedented scale allows us to understand our travelers better than anyone else, delivering exactly what they need, when they need it. Our personalized experiences backed by incredible technology, enables us to deliver the widest selection of product offerings across accommodations, transportation, activities and experiences, that help you get the most out of your journey.

Use our mobile app or visit http://www.expedia.com to plan your journey with us.

SOURCE Expedia