Oliver Hudson Makes An Awesome Bobblehead, Reminds Roadtrippers to #JourneySafe

As we cross the anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is reopening and far more people are scheduling vacations

Super 8 by Wyndham

As we cross the anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is reopening and far more people are scheduling vacations and road trips. In response to the surge in demand, Super 8 by Wyndham is relaunching #JourneySafe, a safe-travel initiative. Actor Oliver Hudson is the face of the campaign, promoting the continued importance of responsible travel.

Oliver Hudson Signs On

Oliver Hudson

Hudson, son of actress Goldie Hawn and brother of actress Kate Hudson, is the ambassador of Super 8’s safety initiative. He is like many of us who have the travel bug. Hudson is known for going OTG (“off the grid”) often, which he reminds his followers before going on outdoor adventures. Hudson recognizes the importance of safe travel. “I’ve always associated the open road with freedom and exploration, which is why I find this campaign so important” Hudson says. “It’s about reinvigorating the all-American, road-warrior spirit while promoting practices that will continue to help keep all of us prepared, safe, and healthy.” 

Don’t Drive Drowsy

Super 8 by Wyndham

Currently, Hudson is the voice of Coach in the award-winning #JourneySafe campaign’s anchor: a 30-second PSA-style video, “Don’t Drive Drowsy, Journey Safe.” This is where he and several other characters share practical roadside safety tips, regarding hand-sanitizer, face masks and pit stops. This PSA is a light-hearted approach to promote the importance of safe and responsible travel. It is best known for its use of dashboard bobbleheads.

Super 8 And Wyndham Brand Ethos

The short PSA is packed with drowsy driving facts, spoken in conversation by voiced bobbleheads. “Drowsy driving causes 100,000+ crashes every year”, as stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Another stat is that 1 in every 3 Americans are sleep deprived, and this one is given by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The stats are shown through text in parts of the video. The bobbleheads, however, speak to you, the viewer, as if you’re the one driving. Their tone is conversational and somewhat hasty, giving you the impression that you’re the drowsy driver.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest hotel franchising company—with 8,900 hotels across 95 countries on six continents. Wyndham is a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. It operates 20 hotel brands in its portfolio, including Super 8, Days Inn, Ramada, Microtel, La Quinta, Baymont and Wingate. In addition to appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also the leading provider of hotel management services. Loyalty members of the hotel—86 million of them to be exact—are awarded various perks. They have the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts, and vacation rentals globally.

Super 8 by Wyndham has the reputation of being one of the world’s largest economy hotel brands. With more than 2,700 hotels globally, Super 8 is a trusted and convenient companion on the road. Recognizing that more people are going to be driving for travel, Super 8 by Wyndham includes their initiative on their website. “As your companion on the road, we’re promoting healthy habits to reduce drowsy driving and make highways safer for everyone.” Through their #JourneySafe campaign, they aim to be the perfect place to rest up and refuel.

The #JourneySafe Pledge

Super 8 by Wyndham

Wyndham’s #JourneySafe initiative started in 2019 to “drive” awareness of the dangers of drowsy driving into people’s heads. With the circumstances of the pandemic, however, they reimagined the initiative. According to a study shared by the United States Travel Association, close to 9 out of 10 Americans have travel plans in the next six months. Mike Mueller, president of brand operations for Super 8 by Wyndham reflects on what that means for the hotel. “This last year has changed what it means to be #JourneySafe” Mueller says. “The words carry new weight and it was important to us that our campaign evolve to reflect that.” 

The nationwide rollout of #JourneySafe starts March 31. On their website, Wyndham Hotels offers helpful resources regarding safe driving etiquette. For example, they provide an infographic for sleep-related driving facts as well as ‘talking points’ for #JourneySafe. In addition, they offer a video and a chance to take a pledge against drowsy driving. All it takes is one click to have your pledge counted.

From now until May 28, 2021, travelers have the chance to earn a free night in the form of 7,500 Wyndham Rewards points. This is achievable after booking three consecutive nights or more and staying before May 31. Check out www.wyndhamrewards.com. Additionally, members of the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program have their current benefits extended through the end of 2021.

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