Sydney Airport is celebrating lunar new year with a dedicated digital engagement strategy and a host of in-terminal entertainments, including special performances, tailored retail offers and decorations to mark 2016, the year of the monkey.
The airport in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, is expecting to welcome 430,000 Chinese nationals through its international terminal during the lunar new year period (January 27 – February 27) and has developed a digital game in conjunction with the launch of its new channel for China’s most popular social media platform, WeChat. The new Lucky Monkey game will offer passengers the opportunity to win shopping vouchers to spend at Heinemann Tax & Duty Free in the T1 International terminal throughout February.
The Lucky Monkey game will be hosted on Sydney Airport’s newly launched ExperienceSYD WeChat channel to drive further followers and expand its social media presence, supporting the airport’s wider focus on engaging with passengers through a range of touchpoints.
“China is our fastest growing international passenger market and our largest visitor market based on residency. During the lunar new year period, we’ll have six mainland Chinese airlines providing direct services to nine mainland Chinese cities, the most Chinese long haul routes of any airport in the world,” said Kerrie Mather, Sydney Airport managing director and chief executive officer.
“Sydney Airport is welcoming Chinese passengers to Sydney with our Mandarin speaking Airport Ambassadors, lunar new year decorations and entertainment, tailored retail products and engagement on WeChat. We’ve expanded the airport’s digital footprint to enable us to better engage with this important audience during the most significant celebratory event on the Chinese calendar.”
The airport has also investing in more red and gold decorations in the T1 terminal to symbolize good fortune and happiness. Passengers, visitors and staff will also be able to enjoy special performances from Sydney Airport partner, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO), and traditional lion dancing, reflecting the important role Chinese culture plays across Sydney, NSW and Australia.