We’ve all been there: lost in a digital daydream, endlessly scrolling through pictures of pristine beaches, snow-capped mountains, and vibrant cityscapes. You add those destinations to your mental bucket list, telling yourself, “One day, I’ll go there.” But then life happens. That “one day” keeps getting pushed further down the road. Sound familiar? Priceline wants to help you stop just dreaming and start booking.
How Priceline is Flipping the Script on Travel Marketing
This isn’t your standard travel ad. In fact, Priceline’s latest campaign is redefining how we think about travel marketing. We all know the drill: we scroll, dream, and linger on images of far-off lands, but when it comes time to book, we hesitate. Enter Priceline, who has decided to tackle this exact problem—what it’s calling “dreamscrolling.” They’re not just showing us stunning destinations; they’re pushing us to make that dream a reality now.
It’s a smart play, especially with Gen Z and millennials, who are constantly fantasizing about trips but often freeze when it’s time to pull the trigger. The solution? Make travel feel both attainable and urgent.
And who better to drive that message home than Kaley Cuoco? She plays a quirky, energetic travel guide who appears just as someone is lost in their dreamscrolling reverie. In each ad, Cuoco interrupts the fantasy, reminding the viewer that Priceline has the deals to make it happen. The message is simple: Stop waiting, start packing.
Why March Madness Was the Perfect Marketing Play
Priceline wasn’t content with just airing ads—they took their campaign to the next level by tapping into one of the biggest cultural events of the year: March Madness. With millions glued to their screens, Priceline saw a prime opportunity to make a splash.
They launched a basketball-themed ad that follows a fan dreaming about attending the game of his life. Just as he drifts further into the fantasy, Cuoco swoops in—inside a spinning basketball, no less—to remind him that, with Priceline, he could be sitting courtside.
But they didn’t stop there. Priceline partnered with DraftKings to create the “Dream It, Book It Bracket.” This free-to-play game allows users to predict winners of the tournament, revealing exclusive Priceline hotel deals for the cities hosting the games. As players compete for a $50,000 cash prize, they’re also interacting with real-time travel deals. It’s a perfect blend of fun and functionality, seamlessly integrating Priceline into the cultural moment.
Building Loyalty Beyond the Campaign
Attracting attention is one thing, but keeping it? That’s the real challenge. Priceline knows that. So, while they’re pulling out all the stops with their immediate marketing, they’re also building long-term loyalty.
Their “Buzzer Beater” deals, offering limited-time hotel discounts in March Madness cities, create an immediate sense of urgency. But the real game-changer? They’re offering students and educators with .edu email addresses a VIP Gold Status, unlocking exclusive travel discounts for the rest of 2025. That’s the kind of loyalty-building move that turns first-time bookers into lifelong Priceline users.
What Brands Can Learn From Priceline’s Playbook
Priceline’s campaign isn’t just a flash in the pan; it’s a blueprint for any brand looking to convert passive interest into real action. So, what can other businesses take away from their approach?
Fix real customer problems
People don’t need more options—they need a nudge to act. Priceline identified dreamscrolling as a barrier to booking and crafted their campaign to overcome it. Brands should zero in on the obstacles holding back their customers and create actionable solutions.
Tie your marketing to real events
March Madness is an annual juggernaut of attention. Priceline didn’t force their way into the conversation—they joined it, making the most of a cultural moment. Brands should look for ways to weave their messaging into existing events that already captivate their audience.
Make it interactive
A great campaign doesn’t just push a message; it invites participation. Priceline’s bracket challenge did more than just showcase deals—it got people to engage with their brand. Brands can increase engagement by gamifying experiences, offering contests, or creating exclusive perks.
Turn short-term wins into long-term loyalty
The VIP Gold Status isn’t just a temporary perk. It’s a long-term strategy for retaining customers well beyond the campaign’s life. Offering real, ongoing value builds deeper relationships and fosters loyalty.
Final Thoughts
Priceline is doing more than just running ads—they’re creating a movement. By acknowledging the existence of dreamscrolling, tapping into a major cultural event, and offering irresistible deals, they’ve crafted a campaign that does more than entertain. It drives action.
So, what’s the business takeaway? It’s simple: Know your audience, integrate your brand into cultural moments, and make interactions feel effortless and fun. That’s how you turn passive interest into real customers.
The real question now is—are you still caught in a dreamscrolling loop with your marketing strategy, or are you ready to take the leap and make your next big move?
FAQ’s
- Why does gamification work?
It makes marketing fun and interactive. People engage more when there’s a challenge or reward on the table. - How do brands create urgency?
By tying their deals to real-time events, like Priceline’s March Madness offers. It adds a sense of immediacy and relevance. - What builds customer loyalty?
Brands that give value up front—like Priceline’s VIP Gold perks—are more likely to keep customers coming back long after the promotion ends.