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Choice Hotels Asia-Pac is thrilled to unveil its latest national consumer campaign, “Experience More with Choice Hotels”, fronted by comedian, radio broadcaster and television presenter Merrick Watts.
Known for his relatable humour and down to-earth charm, Merrick brings a fresh, fun perspective to the campaign, which aligns with Choice’s promise to deliver more for every type of traveller.
Launching in time for the lead-up to the peak summer holiday season, the “Experience More with Choice Hotels” campaign highlights how staying at a Choice property helps travellers unlock even more incredible experiences on their next holiday.
Whether it’s in reference to a family getaway or a short break, Merrick brings his signature wit to show how each stay goes beyond expectations.
The campaign also nods to Choice Hotels’ value-for-money proposition across its portfolio of five brands across New Zealand and Australia, from the upscale soft brand Ascend Hotel Collection and Clarion Hotels to their midscale and flagship brands Quality Hotels, Comfort Hotels and economy brand, Econo Lodge.
The quality and comfort brands are the focus within the creative execution, with the call to action being to book direct at Choicehotels.com.
“We’re delighted to have Merrick on board for this campaign,” says Choice Hotels Asia-Pac senior director for commercial and revenue management Kari Hunter.
“His humour resonates with New Zealanders and Australians alike, making him the perfect personality to show how staying with Choice Hotels helps travellers ‘Experience More’ —in both value and unforgettable memories.
“Whether it’s a family holiday or a short-stay trip, we want guests to know that selecting a Choice Hotels property will help them get more out of their visit, while also enjoying the best value for their money,” says Kari.
“With such a relatable entertainer as Merrick in the spotlight, we look forward to the “Experience More with Choice Hotels” campaign creating an emotional connection with our customers.”
With hotels across the country – and region – Choice Hotels Asia-Pac lives up to the Experience More promise. Whether it’s a family stay at the Comfort Hotel Flames Whangarei; a romantic getaway at The Honest Lawyer, Ascend Hotel Collection in Nelson; a city break in Auckland at Quality Hotel Lincoln Green; a business trip to Christchurch staying at Quality Suites Amore; or heading south to discover the delights of Invercargill at Comfort Inn Tayesta Motel, each hotel offers the opportunity for deeper exploration of the location.
Choice Hotels Asia-Pac stretches well beyond New Zealand too, with hotels across Australia, Japan, India and China, providing opportunities to Experience More of the region.
Merrick originally rose to fame in the early 2000s as half of the comedy duo Merrick and Rosso. He has since carved out a new course as an actor on The Hollowmen and Underbelly, and as a stand-up comedian.
In 2020, Merrick was one of the only three contestants to pass the gruelling training course on Channel 7’s SAS: Australia. He continues to appear on such television shows as Thank God You’re Here, The Cheap Seats and The Project. He also hosts the Picture Discuss podcast.
“I was rapt to be asked to be involved with Choice Hotels because whether it is for work or a family holiday, it is genuinely where we stay when we travel around the country,” says Merrick.
The “Experience More with Choice Hotels” campaign launches today and will be seen across free-to-air, cable and connected TV, social and digital platforms and radio.
