Gatwick Airport unveils summer campaign and introduces new mascot

UK. Gatwick Airport has unveiled a new summer campaign called ‘Explore Like Never Before’ to kick off the school summer holidays. The airport has also introduced a new mascot ‘Gary Gatwick’ to help travellers kickstart their holidays in style. The campaign, and Gary Gatwick’s airport debut, officially launched on 21 July.

Explore Like Never Before comprises special offers, promotions and competitions. This includes special promotions from World Duty Free, which is offering up to -50% on selected spirits and offers on fragrances purchased on the retailer’s Reserve & Collect Service.

The Moodie Davitt Report Brands Editor & Digital Marketing Manager Hannah Tan-Gillies was on location for the launch of Gatwick Airport’s summer campaign.

The campaign extends to the airport’s food & beverage portfolio. Wetherspoons in both the North and South Terminals are offering a special summer ale called ‘Summer Sun’, which is a hoppy beer by Twickenham Brewery. Gin-focused bar Juniper & Co. in the North Terminal has teamed up with Fever Tree to offer a summer menu of exclusive gin cocktails.

In-terminal summer activations include a tombola game, which gives passengers the opportunity to win a range of prizes, and giant deckchairs which serve as the perfect photo opportunity for families.

Gatwick’s airline partners have also joined the campaign. Wizz Air is running a competition which gives passengers the chance to win a £500 flight voucher. In addition, passengers can win a family bundle comprising of sun care products from Boots, children’s toys and books from WHSmith and vouchers from Shake Shack and Wagamama.

“With a busy summer holiday period expected — the first since 2019 with unrestricted travel — it’s fantastic that so many of our retailers and restaurants at Gatwick are able to help our passengers celebrate, with some great offers and exclusive products available,” commented Gatwick Airport Head of Retail Operations Nick Williams.

As reported, Gatwick Airport recently opened two new standalone Lego stores in the North and South Terminals. It also opened a Kidstop pop-up in the North Terminal and reopened the Itsu and Ted Baker outlets in the South Terminal.

In an exclusive comment to The Moodie Davitt Report, Williams said: “The summer campaign is a way for us to drive our offer for families this summer. We know there have been so many families who haven’t been able to travel for a couple of years and so we really wanted to create a great offering for them.

“Our new openings have played a part in that. We’ve also got a kids pop-up with WHSmith and various other offers across the airport.”

Williams added, “Being in the airport today, it’s very busy and there is such a nice buzz. Seeing all the kids with their parents enjoy themselves at our airport is wonderful.

While Gatwick Airport was undoubtedly busy during our visit, Williams says that the airport is fully equipped to deal with the increased demand. “We’re in reasonable control,” he says. “There are challenges, but operationally, Gatwick Airport has been doing a great job. It’s going to be a tough summer for any operator, but we are delighted with where we are.

“We know there have been some challenges with travel recently and while our teams are working incredibly hard to ensure passengers get away on their holidays with ease, we are excited that once people reach the departure lounge, we have plenty here to help families relax and get their holidays off to a great start.”

Gary Gatwick will be roaming the departures area greeting families and children as they await their flights.

“Gary Gatwick is our mascot,” Williams explained. “He’s become a bit of a cult hero. He’s been on social media for the last two years and up until today has just been teddy bear sized. His life-sized version has finally made an appearance today and so far, the kids really love him.”

Gary Gatwick is not just going to feature in marketing materials and social media but also in experiential activations, said Williams. “We know that our passengers, alongside shopping and eating, want to be entertained. We are going to push that over the summer to give our passengers the best experience that we can.”

NOTE: The Moodie Davitt Report has recently relaunched its FAB Newsletter. This regular newsletter features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.

Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.