Client: MTR Corporation
Entrant: Ogilvy & Mather Advertising Hong Kong
Author: Terence Ling, O&M Advertising Hong Kong
Contributing author: Clarissa Tam, O&M Advertising Hong Kong
Credited companies - Creative agency: O&M Advertising Hong Kong; media agency: OMD
Media used: Ambient, magazines, newspapers, outdoor/poster, PR, radio, TV, viral/social media, website/microsite
IN A NUTSHELL
By addressing customer loyalty and highlighting the emotional value of the MTR, the campaign re-established a brand bond with its users, generating a payback of £4.83 for every £1 spent.
SUMMARY
MTR, the local subway, is Hong Kong's most used mode of public transport that is closely tied to the country's fortunes. MTR set itself a primary objective of sustaining passenger boardings and upholding brand equity, despite the recession. Rather than using gimmicky promotions or incentives, communications were instead aimed at addressing customer loyalty at its deepest level - brand bonding. Various TV ads told the everyday stories of people on the MTR, highlighting the emotional value of the MTR in Hong Kongers' lives, under the line "MTR: Caring for life's journeys". The campaign generated £9.4 million incremental revenue, and paid back £4.83 for every £1 spent.
JUDGE'S COMMENT
The MTR campaign highlighted the value of following a strong emotional advertising strategy, with clear insight into the target market. A successful and admirable case of brand-bonding.
Gill Barr, head of marketing UK and Ireland, MasterCard.