New Mexico, about two years ago, came up with an ad campaign featuring aliens claiming that New Mexico was one of the top vacation spots in the universe. I never gave much thought to it and figured the state was building on its Roswell fame and our fascination with aliens. Others in the state thought the campaign gave the wrong idea about the state. Watch this video history of sorts. What are your thoughts?
Here are two of the TV ads (above and below) that were produced showing aliens discussing an upcoming vacation in New Mexico. Next, a short video shows the New Mexico aliens going to a ball game in Minneapolis to promote New Mexico. Finally, a news clip tells the story of impending doom for these slimy, lovable aliens and their tourism promotion contract.
I think the ads were memorable, had a good message about New Mexico, added to the state’s alien aura and certainly provided the state with bonus coverage in Minnesota at the ball game. All in all, it was a good effort.
But, sometimes the message is doomed by the messengers.
N.M. Aliens visit Minneapolis
Ads panned on local TV
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
