He’s not simply Ken, he’s now a journey influencer!

Expedia wasn’t toying round after they had been searching for their subsequent model ambassador, partnering with Mattel’s Barbie model’s beloved Ken doll. This 12 months, he’ll be venturing away from his laidback California way of life in Malibu and setting out all over the world on 65 adventures in celebration of his sixty fifth anniversary. (Not his birthday, he’s far too younger for retirement!) 

The blond celebrity will kick off his year-long celebration within the largest method attainable, with a Tremendous Bowl business that may air each earlier than and after the massive Feb. 8 soccer recreation. In it, we’ll see Ken step away from the seaside he’s identified so properly for greater than six many years and immerse himself in worldwide locations in an advert referred to as “Going Locations with Ken.”

“Expedia shortly noticed Ken’s rising attraction and forged him for his massive recreation debut,” Mattel’s Mahta Eghbali stated in an announcement. She emphasised that as a worldwide icon, “Ken isn’t simply related; he’s premium expertise with the presence, vary, and attain to encourage followers throughout generations.”

Amongst his first travels might be Italy, Japan, and Mexico Metropolis, as he exhibits his followers and followers how straightforward it’s to transcend the comforts of his hometown for the primary time as a beginner traveler. We see him pack his yellow hardside suitcase (he folds his garments and does not roll them), journey a airplane within the aisle seat (maybe he is aware of this aisle seat trick), and even converse Italian as he drives by way of the Italian countryside, determining which aspect of the street to be on.

Ken’s marketing campaign may also embrace the launch of a brand new Expedia platform referred to as The One Place You Go to Go Locations, emphasizing how straightforward it’s to ebook and handle all elements of a visit on the location, particularly by bundling flights, lodging, and automotive leases to economize. 

The progressive stop-motion adverts—produced by BucK and Bix Pix, together with Expedia and Mattel’s groups—had been filmed shot-by-shot utilizing old-school strategies courting from the Nineties to provide them a throwback, however sensible look. 

However, in fact, touring isn’t any enjoyable with out associates, so Ken may also be sharing his journeys, beginning on Tremendous Bowl Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET. with an interactive social media Q&A on Mattel’s Threads account which is able to have interaction with Expedia’s account. That day, Ken may also launch a contest during which 65 of his followers will win $1,000 in OneKeyCash for journey booked on Expedia.

Ken’s journeys may also be spotlighted on Instagram and TikTok on the accounts @Barbie, @Barbiestyle, and @Expedia.

Together with his sixty fifth anniversary marketing campaign actually being about Ken saying, “Hey New Beginnings,” the partnership marks step one of a 12 months of Ken-ventures in a method we’ve by no means seen earlier than.

“Since his debut in 1961, Ken has confirmed his capacity to captivate hearts whereas at all times remaining true to his enjoyable, playful character,” Mattel’s Nathan Baynard stated in an announcement.  “Now, we’re proud to rejoice his sixty fifth anniversary as a second of reinvention as he steps into uncharted territory.”