Icelandair Stopover Buddy "the greatest marketing gimmick of all time?"

This innovative marketing campaign has been written about in over …

This innovative marketing campaign has been written about in over 300 international newspaper articles according to press officer of Icelandair, Guðjón Arngrímsson. Photo:Icelandair

Icelandair's highly original marketing strategy called the "Stopover Buddy" has been extremely well received and has received over 650 applications in just two months. It's clear that there's not room for all those interested as the project comes to a close at the end of April. 

So what is an Icelandair Stopover Buddy? Well, the airline offers anyone on a stopover in Iceland to request the services of a member of Icelandair's staff to be their "buddy" in Iceland - whether it be for an adventure day trip, eating out, nature, culture or lifestyle. 

The service is free of charge and the buddies include everyone from cabin staff and pilots to the company CEO.

This innovative marketing campaign has been written about in over 300 international newspaper articles according to press officer of Icelandair, Guðjón Arngrímsson. 

One such write-up is in The Guardian, as "it might just be the best marketing gimmick of all time." The journalist tries out the Stopover Buddy scheme and is greeted by "a dashing 47-year-old pilot with a Benny-from-Abba beard whose interests include heli-skiing and extreme sports. What’s not to like? Especially when, a quick Google later, I discover his nickname is “Captain Gorgeous” and he’s starred in a viral video that involves his naked buttocks."

Check out the Icelandair Stopover buddy page HERE but as we previously stated, it's probably too late to apply unless they give it another go next year. 

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