Discover Airlines and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a National Football League (NFL) team, are continuing their successful collaboration: the marketing partnership announced a year ago will not only be extended but also strategically expanded. Until at least 2030, both brands plan joint marketing and communication activities —now also with targeted measures in the US market.
What began as a marketing activity in Germany, where the Buccaneers have a rapidly growing fan base, is now gaining additional visibility in the team’s home market. As the Bucs’ sole international partner, Discover Airlines will also be represented at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa in the future – including with perimeter and stadium TV advertising. The aim is to further increase awareness of the airline in Florida and inspire even more US travelers to visit Europe.
Strong flight offering between Germany and Florida
Discover Airlines is the only airline offering nonstop flights between Germany and Tampa Bay – up to once a day. With around 20 weekly flights to Florida (Tampa Bay, Fort Myers, Orlando), the airline also offers the most comprehensive flight service from Germany to the Sunshine State. The share of bookings from the US market is steadily increasing.
“After just one year, we can already see how well this partnership is working – both at the brand level and with the target groups,” says Bernd Bauer, CEO of Discover Airlines. “We are seeing an increasing number of guests from America on our Florida flights. Against this backdrop, it is only logical to strengthen our brand presence in this destination area as well. And what could be more natural than combining a passion for American football with the joy of travel – both bring people together, move them and inspire them.”
50 years of the Buccaneers in the NFL – 50 tickets to Europe
The expansion of the partnership coincides with the Buccaneers’ 50th anniversary in the NFL – a milestone that Discover Airlines joins in celebrating. Throughout the anniversary season, the airline is giving away 50 tickets to Europe. At the home opener of the new season on Sunday, September 21, CEO Bernd Bauer personally handed over the first tickets to winners at the stadium.
“Our 50th Season is the perfect stage to expand our relationship with Discover Airlines,” said Buccaneers Chief Commercial Officer Atul Khosla. “From positioning Tampa Bay as a premier destination to offering fans the chance to win 50 flights to Germany, this partnership showcases how two brands can come together to create memorable fan experiences, with Discover serving as a true gateway to Europe and beyond for Bucs fans.”
At the same time, an eye-catching marketing campaign has been running in the Frankfurt area since September 21: Thousands of pizza boxes in participating pizzerias feature the Discover Airlines and Buccaneers design. Here, too, tickets are up for grabs – for flights to Florida and a Bucs game live at the stadium.
