The travel gear and accessories market is booming—expected to grow from $2.22 billion in 2024 to a whopping $3.68 billion by 2032. With this rapid growth, brands are competing to snag the attention of globetrotters, wanderlusters, and jet-setters. And guess where they’re doing it?
TikTok—the platform that’s not just for viral dances and lip-syncing, but for driving serious sales, with its U.S. market alone surpassing $9 billion in sales value. You read that right. Nine billion.
So, how do brands break through the noise? By creating shoppable, authentic, and undeniably engaging content. TikTok is no longer just about catchy clips; it’s become the ultimate playground for influencers and strategic marketing. From influencer partnerships to in-app purchases, the magic lies in blending creativity with real-time tracking and data.
One brand that’s aced this? Samsonite. Their "TikTok Takeoff" campaign is a masterclass in how to combine influencer power with shoppable video ads and precise tracking.
Curious about how they did it? Keep reading to discover how this campaign soared—and how others are following suit.
- 1. Samsonite's TikTok Takeoff: A Full-Funnel Approach that Packs a Punch
- 2. TUI's TikTok Holiday Hacks: A Budget-Friendly Getaway to Success
- 3. LuckyTrip’s TikTok Success: The App That Made Vacation Planning a Tap Away
- 4. Lastminute.com’s TikTok Cure: A Hilarious Campaign for Gen Z Travel Enthusiasts
- 5. Traveloka’s TikTok Triumph: Data-Driven Ads for Better ROI and Bigger Results
- 6. RIMOWA's Neon Revolution: How TikTok Turned Luggage Into a Trend
- Innovate, Engage, and Explore: TikTok and Instagram’s Role in Travel Gear"
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Samsonite's TikTok Takeoff: A Full-Funnel Approach that Packs a Punch
When it comes to travel gear, Samsonite isn't just a luggage brand — it's practically a household name. So when they decided to take their Proxis suitcase to TikTok, they weren’t looking for a casual scroll-and-scroll campaign. No, they went all in with a full-funnel strategy that delivered results that could make even seasoned marketers stop in their tracks.
Strategic Execution: The Perfect Travel Companion for TikTok
Samsonite’s approach to this campaign was as slick as their polycarbonate suitcases. Here’s how they nailed it:
-
Video Shopping Ads & Carousel Ads: By integrating shoppable video content, Samsonite ensured that TikTok users didn’t just watch — they could buy in the moment. It’s like strolling through a store with your credit card already in hand, ready for the perfect impulse purchase. Targeted ads pulled directly from their catalog meant viewers were served exactly what they were eyeing, increasing the likelihood of a conversion.
-
Creator Partnerships: Samsonite didn’t just throw any influencer into the mix. They teamed up with creators like @rvm_thecameraguy to craft authentic, captivating content that complemented their branded assets. This approach created a campaign that felt less like an ad and more like a seamless part of the TikTok experience, keeping users entertained and engaged.
-
TikTok Pixel Tracking: Forget the guesswork. By using TikTok's Pixel, Samsonite could track and refine their strategy in real-time, ensuring their ads weren’t just being seen but were being seen by the right people. The result? More efficient performance optimization and smarter retargeting.
@mysamsonite Did you know our new Restackd collection has packing cubes included? A game changer for staying organised and saving space in your suitcase! #packingcubes #suitcasepacking #travelhawaii #MyJourney #MySamsonite #Restackd @byrvm_contentcreation ♬ origineel geluid - mysamsonite
The Results: A Journey Well Worth the Trip
Samsonite didn’t just meet expectations — they smashed them. Across five European markets, their Video Shopping Ads saw a 3x Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) and an 11% engagement rate. Even more impressive? They generated over 700 add-to-cart actions and delivered a 10% lower CPM than the industry benchmark.
This wasn’t just a campaign; it was a travel-ready revolution on TikTok. With smart targeting, high-impact creatives, and savvy use of TikTok tools, Samsonite established a new benchmark for future campaigns in the travel sector. In other words, it’s not just their luggage that’s packed for success — their marketing strategy is too.
2. TUI's TikTok Holiday Hacks: A Budget-Friendly Getaway to Success
When it comes to booking a holiday, TUI’s name is practically synonymous with smooth, worry-free getaways. But in an era where travel decisions are increasingly influenced by more than just wanderlust (hello, cost-of-living crisis), TUI needed a strategy that would help them stand out amidst the financial concerns of travelers.
Enter TikTok: the perfect platform for practical, engaging, and shareable content.
Strategic Execution: A TikTok Takeover with Real Impact
Here’s how TUI executed a campaign that hit all the right notes, from budget hacks to vacation dreams:
-
Creator Partnerships: TUI understood that TikTok thrives on authenticity. They brought in a dynamic mix of 10 creators, including names like The Budgeting Mum and The Travel Bae, who weren’t just influencers but also passionate advocates for budget travel. These creators crafted videos that were authentic, engaging, and, most importantly, relatable. It’s the kind of content you’d want to share with your friends, not just sit through as an ad.
-
In-Feed Auction Ads & Creative Differentiation: TUI used a blend of Video Views and Traffic Ads to serve their messaging in two different ways, ensuring that they were capturing both attention and clicks. With In-Feed Auction Ads placed strategically, they managed to blend seamlessly into TikTok’s endless stream of content, not interrupting, but enhancing the experience.
-
TikTok Creator Marketplace: TUI didn’t just take a one-size-fits-all approach. By tapping into the TikTok Creator Marketplace, they were able to fine-tune their creator partnerships and even discover fresh voices who resonated with their target audience. Think of it like finding the perfect holiday destination that you didn’t know existed — only this time, it’s creators that perfectly align with TUI’s brand.
@budgetingmumofficial ad Sunmer Holidays 2024 Did know @TUI UK & Ireland have got loads of options available to book your holiday today with a £0 deposit? Im eyeing up this gorgeous hotel in Majorca for this summer ☀️ #summerholidays #travelonabudget #momonabudget #travelwithtui #fyp ♬ original sound - THE BUDGETING MUM💰
The Results: From Views to Bookings
TUI’s campaign didn’t just meet expectations, it exceeded them, proving once again that TikTok isn’t just a platform for viral dances and lip-syncing.
With more than 4.2 million video views and an average view-through rate of 7.84%, it’s clear that the campaign was getting serious engagement. And when it comes to conversions? A 0.40% click-through rate directed thousands of potential vacationers straight to TUI’s website, where dreams of sun and sand turned into bookings.
The campaign also saw a significant brand lift, with a +6.7% increase in attitudes toward TUI and a +13.8% boost in Brand Recall, showing that the message had sunk in. TUI wasn’t just another travel brand in the mix; they were now a top-of-mind choice for travelers looking to save without compromising on experience.
3. LuckyTrip’s TikTok Success: The App That Made Vacation Planning a Tap Away
Booking a holiday has always been about juggling budgets, plans, and finding the perfect destination—until LuckyTrip came along to make the process as easy as tapping a button. But how do you turn a travel app into the go-to app for spontaneous vacationers? By playing to TikTok’s strengths and blending creativity, data, and influencers into the ultimate travel campaign.
Strategic Execution: A Test-and-Tap Strategy That Paid Off
LuckyTrip didn’t just dip its toes into TikTok’s waters; they dove straight in, testing, tweaking, and capitalizing on trends in ways that made sure their message stuck. Here’s how they achieved it:
-
Split Testing for Engagement: LuckyTrip partnered with GEN Z TALENT and TikTok’s Account Manager to design a campaign targeting the UK’s Gen Z and millennial travelers. Running for three weeks, they used split testing to discover which creative approaches resonated best. It was a data-driven strategy that focused on finding the perfect combination of content to engage TikTok’s audience.
-
Influencers and User-Generated Content (UGC): TikTok thrives on authenticity, and LuckyTrip leveraged this by collaborating with a range of influencers. From travel specialists who shared tips and recommendations to more general influencers creating trendy, attention-grabbing content, LuckyTrip made sure to speak TikTok’s language. The result? A mix of informative and viral content that kept audiences engaged and interested.
-
Spark Ads to Amplify Organic Reach: LuckyTrip made a smart move with Spark Ads, using organic posts from their influencer partners and boosting them for greater reach. This strategy allowed them to maintain authenticity while amplifying engagement, ensuring that every like, share, and comment contributed to the campaign’s success.
@luckytripWhere will luck take you?♬ original sound - LuckyTrip
The Results: App Downloads That Surpassed Expectations
When the results came in, LuckyTrip’s campaign was nothing short of a triumph. In just three weeks, the app rocketed to the top of the UK’s Apple App Store for travel apps, even briefly surpassing TikTok itself in terms of downloads. That’s the kind of success most apps only dream of.
With 85K+ app downloads, 4M+ impressions, and an eye-popping 1600% increase in followers, LuckyTrip’s TikTok campaign didn’t just hit the mark—it smashed it. The campaign’s success didn’t go unnoticed either, as it was shortlisted for TikTok’s prestigious “Greatest of All Time” (G.O.A.Ts) performance award, a testament to its standout execution.
By using split testing to fine-tune their approach and trusting TikTok’s algorithm, LuckyTrip optimized their Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) and ensured their campaign’s success. With these valuable insights under their belt, they’re already planning their next move to keep the momentum going.
LuckyTrip’s TikTok campaign proves that with the right mix of creative testing, influencer partnerships, and smart ad strategies, turning an app into a viral sensation is more than just a possibility—it’s the new reality. So, when you’re ready to book your next spontaneous getaway, remember: one tap could change everything.
4. Lastminute.com’s TikTok Cure: A Hilarious Campaign for Gen Z Travel Enthusiasts
When life hands you the January blues, Lastminute.com has the perfect remedy—Holiopathy. No, it’s not an actual supplement, but a clever marketing concept for their new range of flight and hotel packages designed to lift the spirits of young UK holidaymakers.
But how do you convince a TikTok-obsessed Gen Z and Millennial crowd to book their next holiday? With humor, creativity, and a hefty dose of TikTok magic, of course.
Strategic Execution: Creativity Meets Targeted Reach
Lastminute.com didn’t just run another ad campaign—they ran one designed to stand out. Here's how they nailed it:
-
TopView Ads for Maximum Visibility: To kick things off, they deployed TopView ads, which occupy the entire screen when a user opens TikTok. And what’s better than full-screen, sound-on ads? Full-screen, sound-on ads that are actually fun. The creative featured a mock “Holiopathy” pill bottle, poking fun at health supplements, and inviting users to find their ideal holiday to cure the post-holiday blues. The quirky voiceover added a layer of humor, making sure viewers actually engaged.
-
In-Feed Ads for Authenticity: To complement the TopView campaign, they also ran In-Feed Ads. These were placed seamlessly into users’ For You feeds, making them feel like organic content rather than ads. The same clever creativity was used, providing a consistent message that was easy to digest and fun to share.
-
Calls to Action & Clear Journey: Both ad formats included a call to action directing users to a landing page with Lastminute.com’s hilarious holiday packages, like the "Vitamin D Booster" for sun-starved souls or the "Routine Remover" for those looking to escape the daily grind. This clear path from ad to action made the user journey as smooth as booking a holiday with a single click.
The Results: A Viral Vacation Breakthrough
Lastminute.com’s strategy was a textbook case of how to leverage TikTok’s unique advertising formats for maximum impact. Despite the campaign running for only 24 hours, the TopView ad generated 10.5 million impressions with an 18% engagement rate. And the response wasn’t just a thumb-scroll—viewers engaged with the content, racking up more than 51,000 likes. TikTok’s 100% sound-on feature worked its magic, and the video reached nearly 10.4 million views in just one day.
The In-Feed Ads extended the campaign’s reach, running for seven days and continuing to drive traffic with a click-through rate that exceeded benchmarks. The average watch time also surpassed the campaign’s target, with many users watching at least half of the 10-second video—proof that Lastminute.com had hit the mark with both humor and messaging.
In the end, Lastminute.com proved that TikTok isn’t just a platform for dances and trends—it’s a powerhouse for brands who know how to combine creativity with clever targeting. By tapping into humor, pop culture, and the right ad formats, Lastminute.com didn’t just promote holidays—they gave their audience the perfect cure for the January blues.
5. Traveloka’s TikTok Triumph: Data-Driven Ads for Better ROI and Bigger Results
When you’re the leading travel platform in Southeast Asia and you’re managing everything from flight bookings to hotel stays, you know one thing for sure: your marketing strategy needs to be as sophisticated as your service.
Enter Traveloka, a powerhouse that wasn’t just looking to increase app installs, but to do so with precision, efficiency, and a hefty dose of marketing smarts. By teaming up with TikTok and Adjust, they found the perfect recipe for scaling up performance and driving conversions.
Strategic Execution: Smarter Ads, Smarter Budgeting
Here’s how Traveloka engineered a campaign that wasn’t just cost-effective, but also maximized marketing efficiency:
-
Partnership with Adjust for Smart Data: Traveloka partnered with Adjust, a trusted TikTok Marketing Agency, to unlock critical data on in-app behavior and campaign performance. Adjust’s Mobile Attribution solution allowed Traveloka to pinpoint which campaigns and channels were driving the most valuable installs and actions. Think of it like having a GPS for your ad spend—every dollar went further because they knew exactly where to put it.
-
Fraud Prevention Suite: In the world of digital marketing, fraud is a real issue. With Adjust’s Fraud Prevention Suite, Traveloka was able to detect and prevent fraudulent installs 2.5 times more effectively than other channels. This meant fewer wasted resources and more accurate targeting. It’s like booking a flight, only to realize the check-in counter isn’t full of passengers who didn’t show up. Every dollar spent was going towards real, valuable leads.
-
App Event Optimization (AEO): Using TikTok’s AEO, Traveloka could target users based on their likelihood to download the app or make in-app purchases. By focusing on high-potential users, the platform could ensure they weren’t just reaching any Gen Z or Millennial, but the right ones—those who were most likely to convert. This data-driven precision kept costs low while boosting app installs, flight purchases, and hotel bookings.
-
Creative Guidance and Organic Synergy: TikTok didn’t just play a role in advertising; they also helped Traveloka align their paid and organic strategies, offering insights on the best creative formats and content that would resonate with their audience. This synergy between paid and organic ensured a smoother, more impactful campaign.
The Results: Double the Impact, Double the Growth
Thanks to these strategies, Traveloka saw a significant performance uplift. The collaboration with TikTok and Adjust increased marketing efficiency by 80% and doubled both conversions and performance. Even more impressive, Adjust helped Traveloka detect fraud at a rate 2.5 times higher than other channels, ensuring ad dollars were spent on real installs.
Traveloka’s partnership with TikTok and Adjust didn’t just help them scale—it gave them the tools to navigate the complexities of advertising with precision and confidence. As their platform continues to grow, this campaign has set the stage for even smarter, more successful ad spend in the future.
6. RIMOWA's Neon Revolution: How TikTok Turned Luggage Into a Trend
RIMOWA is no stranger to luxury, but their first-ever TikTok campaign? That was an entirely new chapter. Known for their iconic suitcases, the brand wanted to break into the Gen Z market with a fresh spin on travel fashion. Enter the Neon Collection—a limited-edition, transparent polycarbonate suitcase that was more than just luggage; it was a must-have accessory for the modern traveler.
Strategic Execution: The Perfect Fit for TikTok's Trendsetting Audience
RIMOWA needed a campaign that didn’t just advertise a product, but positioned it as the must-have travel companion for the next generation. They turned to Social Studies to create a strategy that would tap into the platform's viral potential. Here’s how they nailed it:
-
Gen Z Influencers on TikTok: RIMOWA partnered with six Gen Z influencers from the UK, US, France, Germany, and South Korea—key locations where they wanted to boost brand awareness. The influencers were given full creative freedom, allowing them to incorporate the Neon suitcases into their personal aesthetic and style. The result? Authentic, high-frequency content that resonated with TikTok’s trend-hungry audience.
-
Global Reach, Local Flavor: Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, RIMOWA tailored its influencer strategy by targeting specific regions to expand their reach. Influencers showcased how the Neon collection fit into their lives and global travels—whether it was making a fashion statement at an airport or simply enjoying their next adventure. It was about making the Neon suitcase feel as much a part of their lifestyle as their next trip.
-
Influencer-Generated Content: By letting influencers do what they do best—be creative and authentic—RIMOWA maximized both organic and paid reach. This content was organic in its creation, but designed to go viral by tapping into trends and TikTok’s interactive features. And it worked.
@scoobiezoobie AD I’m obsessed with my @rimowa & it goes everywhere with me #RIMOWAneon ♬ Sunny Day - Ted Fresco
The Results: A Viral Sensation in 55.7 Million Impressions
The results were wildly successful. With 55.7 million combined organic and paid impressions, RIMOWA achieved a reach that was 1,351 times higher than originally scoped. Talk about blowing past expectations. But the success didn’t stop there. Three influencers re-shared their TikTok content on Instagram Reels, creating an additional 54K engagements, 505K impressions, and a 390K reach.
2.74% engagement rate? That’s not just good, it’s phenomenal for the luxury market, where engagement is often more of a challenge.
RIMOWA’s TikTok debut didn’t just engage an audience—it sparked a full-blown conversation with the next generation of global citizens. The campaign didn’t just meet expectations; it rewrote them. RIMOWA’s savvy mix of influencer-driven creativity and data-driven targeting made the Neon Collection the talk of TikTok—and a serious fashion statement in the world of travel.
Innovate, Engage, and Explore: TikTok and Instagram’s Role in Travel Gear"
The success of these campaigns shows that influencer-driven content, data-backed targeting, and creative freedom are pivotal in capturing the attention of today’s travelers. Brands should experiment with these strategies, embracing TikTok's unique capabilities to engage younger audiences.
As trends evolve, staying agile and tapping into authentic, shareable content will remain key. The future of travel marketing lies in bold, creative experimentation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TikTok marketing for travel gear and accessories?
TikTok marketing for travel gear and accessories involves creating engaging short-form videos to showcase products like luggage, packing tools, and travel gadgets. Brands use TikTok's viral potential to reach travelers, especially Gen Z and millennials, through creative content and influencer collaborations.
How can I create effective TikTok content for my travel accessories brand?
Focus on storytelling, product demonstrations, and user-generated content. Utilize popular hashtags like #TravelTok and #TravelEssentials to increase visibility. Collaborate with influencers to reach a broader audience and consider running challenges or giveaways to boost engagement.
What are TikTok's advertising options for travel gear brands?
TikTok offers In-Feed Ads, Branded Hashtag Challenges, and Spark Ads. In-Feed Ads appear in users' feeds, while Branded Hashtag Challenges encourage user participation. Spark Ads allow brands to boost organic content for wider reach.
How do I set up a TikTok business account?
Download the TikTok app, go to your profile, tap on "Manage account," and select "Switch to Business Account." Choose a category that aligns with your brand, such as "Shopping" or "Travel & Transportation," to access business tools like analytics and ads.
What is the minimum budget for TikTok ads?
The minimum daily budget for TikTok ads is approximately £50 per campaign when using a daily budget. For lifetime budgets, the minimum is around £20 per day. These budgets allow for campaign flexibility and audience targeting.
Can I sell travel accessories directly on TikTok?
Yes, through TikTok Shop, you can list and sell products directly on the platform. Ensure your products comply with TikTok's policies and that you have a Shop Performance Score (SPS) of at least 3.5 to enroll in campaigns.
What are the best times to post travel gear content on TikTok?
Post during peak travel planning times, such as early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. Align your content with seasonal trends and holidays to maximize engagement. Use TikTok's analytics tools to identify when your audience is most active.
How can I measure the success of my TikTok campaigns?
Track metrics like views, engagement rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Utilize TikTok's analytics dashboard to monitor performance and adjust strategies accordingly. Consider using the TikTok Pixel for more advanced tracking and retargeting.