Culture, nature and adventure barbarians, unite!

Provincie Oost-Vlaanderen

TL;DR
We turned the hidden treasures of East Flanders into a barbarian’s playground, curiosity required!

In short

How do you inspire East Flanders’ residents to become tourists in their own province? Together with the Provincie Oost-Vlaanderen, we created a bold and playful campaign that redefined local tourism. Through the concept of the “barbarian”, a curious adventurer eager to explore their own backyard, we crafted a campaign that blended humor, strong visuals, and interactive elements.

The challenge

East Flanders is full of hidden gems, from lush forests and heritage sites to recreational hotspots. But how do you convince locals to rediscover these places? The campaign had to break through traditional tourism messaging and ignite pride and curiosity in the region’s diverse offerings.

The insight

Adventure begins where comfort ends. By introducing the idea of “barbarians,” we transformed local exploration into a quest. This playful identity empowered East Flanders’ residents to see their province through fresh eyes, inviting them to uncover its beauty with a sense of pride and curiosity.

The outcome

The campaign turned heads and sparked conversations. With interactive tools like a personality quiz, striking visuals on (D)OOH, and relatable social media content, we reached a wide audience. From radio spots to posters, the message was loud and clear: adventure is closer than you think.

In numbers

2,4 million
social views
670k
BVOD views
10k+
website visits

In detail

We completely redefined the traditional image of tourism by introducing an unexpected concept: the barbarian. Not a club-wielding brute, but a curious adventurer eager to rediscover their own province. This idea took shape through three distinct personas: the culture barbarian, the nature barbarian, and the adventure barbarian. Each embodying a unique explorer: history and art enthusiasts, seekers of natural beauty, and thrill-seekers embracing recreational challenges.

Using striking visuals and engaging videos, we brought these characters to life in surprising locations, from hidden forest trails to historic landmarks, where their inquisitive spirit uncovered the hidden beauty of East Flanders.

Radio spots served as an ode to adventure, challenging residents to embrace their inner barbarian. With messages like “Get off your couch and discover your region, you culture barbarian” and “Are you a city dweller? Come explore nature.” “Adventure barbarian? Shake things up with some recreation.” The campaign encouraged everyone to explore the rich diversity of their province. “It’s nearby!” was the rallying cry that resonated across the airwaves.

Simultaneously, large visuals dominated the streets through (D)OOH screens and posters placed strategically at bus stops and busy locations.

Online, the campaign’s message was reinforced through a targeted digital strategy. Social media ads reached specific audiences and drove traffic to the campaign’s landing page with more info about the province. The barbarian-themed visuals made every message stand out, creating a strong and recognizable campaign identity.

The province’s own channels, including the official website, email campaigns, and the OOST magazine, were also used to amplify the message. This multi-channel approach ensured broad visibility and made the campaign an integral part of life in East Flanders.

To add an interactive element, we designed a flowchart to help residents discover what type of barbarian they are. The quiz, shared via social media and the campaign website, generated significant engagement and enthusiasm.

With humor, a striking visual style, and a comprehensive media plan, we didn’t just inspire residents. We motivated them to embrace their inner barbarian. Thanks to an integrated approach, the idea of a day out in East Flanders was transformed into an adventure full of pride and discovery.

Inspired by our work? Collaborate with us to bring your vision to life: hello@supermachine.be

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