Clear Channel Outdoor, Airports Division, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) to launch a captivating brand takeover at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI Marshall Airport). This innovative collaboration aims to introduce arriving passengers to the allure of Annapolis, Maryland through a visually immersive experience.
Upon arrival at BWI Marshall Airport, passengers will encounter the ‘Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County tunnel’ in the Concourse, leading them to baggage claim. This captivating display, featuring large tension fabric displays, illuminated tension fabric displays, wall graphics, and wide-format vinyl graphics along the escalator glass panels, will immerse travelers in the charm of Annapolis. The campaign, launching in June and lasting 16 months, will showcase the city’s attractions to millions of passengers passing through the airport.
In 2023, BWI served over 26.2 million passengers, solidifying its position as the busiest airport in the region. With a record number of travelers expected to fly during the Independence Day holiday, this strategic airport takeover offers Visit Annapolis an unparalleled opportunity to reach a massive audience.
“We are proud to partner with Visit Annapolis on this innovative and immersive brand takeover of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport,” said Morten Gotterup, president of Clear Channel Outdoor, Airports Division. “Our team collaborated closely with Visit Annapolis to develop a unique ad campaign that will blanket the airport and captivate passengers. As the summer travel season kicks off, it’s an ideal time for Visit Annapolis to launch this campaign, showcasing their beautiful city to visitors from around the world.”
“Expanding our tourism footprint at BWI Marshall Airport marks a significant milestone in our mission to highlight the unparalleled charm and experiences of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County,” said Kristen Pironis, executive director of VAAAC. “This bold marketing campaign aims to capture the hearts and imaginations of the 27 million travelers passing through the airport annually. Leveraging this opportunity not only enhances our destination’s visibility but also underscores our commitment to creating a welcoming destination for all.”
The campaign comes amidst a record-breaking summer for air travel in the US. On June 23rd, a record 2,996,193 people were screened by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and this number is projected to be surpassed during the Independence Day holiday, with over 3 million people expected to be screened in a single day for the first time. Additionally, 5.74 million people are expected to fly to their July 4 destinations, setting a new record.
To accommodate the surge in air travel, US airlines are offering expanded service this summer, with over 26,000 scheduled flights per day, an increase of nearly 1,400 from last summer. This represents a significant increase in capacity, allowing airlines to handle the expected record-breaking passenger numbers, estimated to reach 271 million between June 1 and August 31.
Beyond the airport campaign, VAAAC will further amplify its message to local consumers and travelers through Clear Channel Outdoor billboards in the Baltimore Metro area, ensuring maximum visibility and awareness across the region.
