Roger Federer (39) is Switzerland Tourism’s ambassador. And should advertise his homeland around the world. With actor Robert De Niro (77) Federer’s praise of the Swiss Alps is not fruitful. The advertising film on Youtube ensures record numbers for this.
The video has been viewed there 72.5 million times so far. According to Switzerland Tourism, that exceeds all expectations and represents a record that has never been achieved before. “It all started with a partnership with Roger. But even a star line-up is no longer a guarantee that people will voluntarily look at advertising, ”says André Hefti, Marketing Director at Switzerland Tourism.
Video goes around the world
The idea for the clip came from the Zurich advertising agency Wirz. The self-deprecating commercial about boring Switzerland – according to De Niro, there is a lack of action and drama here – obviously hits a nerve. “It was definitely the right approach to attract the attention of an international audience for our holiday destination,” says Hefti.
As Google announced these days, Switzerland Tourism will list the film in the leaderboard of the Top 10 Cannes Youtube Ads. In seventh place, the film is the most successful European production of the past twelve months. (dvo)