WestJet recently chose to feature the island of Barbados in a recent Valentine’s Day campaign and the video advertisement has been making some rounds on the internet and in social media with persons sharing different views on the project.
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The Canadian airline provides non-stop flights to the Caribbean island four times a week and so they decided to treat two couples from Toronto to a trip as part of their promotion for Valentine's Day. Each couple got to indulge in some of the beautiful and relaxing activities Barbados has to offer such as fine dining at one of the premier restaurants on the island, water-sports and catamaran cruises on the crystal blue waters, and zip-lining through the lush greenery of one of the many pockets of preserved nature on the island.
At this point one might be thinking, ‘ this sounds great! what’s the catch?’
Well, the campaign not only aimed facilitate the next stage in the couple's romance but the WestJet obviously intended to have some fun while they were at it. So, while the girlfriends thought that they were being flown out by WestJet to simply help them shoot a commercial in Barbados, the guys knew that they would have to propose to their girlfriends at any time of WestJet's choosing while the couple were on the island.
At this point one might be thinking, ‘ this sounds great! what’s the catch?’
Well, the campaign not only aimed facilitate the next stage in the couple's romance but the WestJet obviously intended to have some fun while they were at it. So, while the girlfriends thought that they were being flown out by WestJet to simply help them shoot a commercial in Barbados, the guys knew that they would have to propose to their girlfriends at any time of WestJet's choosing while the couple were on the island.
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| From: thephoenixnewspaper.com |
The actual video is basically a compilation of clips showing the two couples as they enjoyed the various activities that were arranged for them. At intervals, a representative from WestJet would appear under the guise of seeing how they were getting along but his true purpose was to keep the boyfriends on edge and forever guessing when they would have to pop the question.
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| From: onemileatatime.boardingarea.com |
According to the CEO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, the video features a special ‘Bajan kind’ of surprise and delight for the couples while providing the audience with a glimpse of all Barbados has to offer. He stated that the videos went viral quickly and credited the BTMI Canadian team for coordinating the project with WestJet.
He reiterates that the aim of coordinating with Westjest on this initiative was to highlight the romance of a trip to Barbados with views of to the lush scenery and natural attractions in the island. Two of which were recently voted in the Top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world by USA Today readers.
Personally, while the Island was showcased beautifully it seemed like much of the relaxed vacation kind of feeling was overshadowed by the weirdly lurking WestJet host.
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| The WestJet representative ... Mr. Rico Suave himself. Photo from: www.citynews.ca |
The man seemed to embody the epitome of a 'creeper'. He popped up on the couples, supposedly unannounced, wearing an almost manic grin akin to the misleading smile of Pennywise. It came off more than a little gimmicky and cheesy. The final project lost sight of the concept of showcasing the product of Barbados though WestJet may have succeeded in its attempt to portray itself as fun, charitable and caring.
I do implore one to try to look past the representative and appreciate the island for the great travel destination that it is for any adventurous couple or interested traveler. The keen eyed viewer may still be able to look past the cheap theatrics and appreciate all that could be in store while on vacation in an island paradise such as Barbados.
I do implore one to try to look past the representative and appreciate the island for the great travel destination that it is for any adventurous couple or interested traveler. The keen eyed viewer may still be able to look past the cheap theatrics and appreciate all that could be in store while on vacation in an island paradise such as Barbados.
Some persons thought the project was a great idea and would only bring positive attention to the island and boost their tourism. Others, like myself, thought that not enough focus was placed on the tourism and the island was pretty much a backdrop to a cheesy skit.
Form your own opinion by viewing the special video at the link below:
WestJet Valentine’s Day proposals – Will you marry me?
What did you think of the outcome to the collaboration between the BTMI and WestJet?
Did you feel the love and longing for your own vacation in Barbados?
Share your opinion in the comment section below.
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