The NHL is getting into the travel and tourism biz in a big way.
Norwegian Cruise Line and the National Hockey League on 08OCT announced a multiyear U.S. partnership, naming Norwegian Cruise Line the Official Cruise Line of the NHL. The milestone venture marks the first time in NCL’s history that it is partnering with a professional sports league and the first time the NHL is partnering with a cruise line.
The new partnership provides NCL with an array of exclusive marketing rights and designations that will connect the NCL brand with the NHL and its fans through the NHL’s vast marketing, digital, and social media channels throughout the duration of the partnership.
To connect fans with the thrill of achieving their travel goals, NCL will be presenting sponsor of the NHL’s weekly top goals content, which will culminate with the coveted goal of the year. Fans can join in on the action by voting on this goal content on NHL platforms for a chance to win various prizes, including the grand prize, a complimentary NCL cruise vacation.
The partnership begins immediately, and NCL will receive national U.S. broadcast exposure on ESPN and TNT through Digitally Enhanced Dasherboards (DED), the League’s advanced approach to dynamic dasherboard advertising during the NHL’s regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs games. As part of the national U.S. DED broadcast exposure, NCL will be the presenting sponsor of the first goal of the game with DED creative shown on every NHL broadcast on ESPN and TNT. Fans will also see the NCL brand displayed on camera visible virtual slot in-ice ads during NHL regular season games and Stanley Cup® Playoffs games broadcast on ESPN and TNT in the United States.
CANUCKS FLY SOUTH
Governor Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero of the state of Nayarit in Mexico has announced that the state is now the official Mexican Tourism Destination of the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL and their home game venue, Rogers Arena.
"We are very pleased to be able to partner with such an integral part of the Vancouver world," said Quintero. "We invite Vancouverites to visit the state of Nayarit to embark on a journey filled with rugged, pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences.
As the "Official Mexican Tourism Destination of the Canucks," the state of Nayarit will benefit from a comprehensive, multi-platform marketing campaign that will feature its world-class tourism offerings. The partnership with Canucks Sports & Entertainment (CSE) includes onsite events, signage across Rogers Arena, and social media promotions for VIP experiences with the team, among other elements of the campaign.
The partnership with CSE marks the second sports such alliance for Nayarit following its alliance with the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL. Both efforts comprise the initial part of the state's historic entrance to the world of professional sports and tourism partnerships.
The campaign aims to benefit from the visibility these sports alliances will create and expose more potential visitors interested in exploring the varied tourism offerings found in Nayarit.
Note that Nayarit has been named the official Mexican Tourism Destination of the Canucks. There could be an opportunity for a U.S. Tourism Destination, or perhaps something in another part of the world. Also, you'd have to think it's only a matter of time before other pro sports teams make similar deals with destinations or travel companies. Given their history of drafting players from the Dominican Republic, the DR would be a perfect official destination of the Toronto Blue Jays.
