mcthai

McDonald’s launches 2010 World Cup Campaign for football fans

9-2-10

McDonald’s, an official sponsor of the 2010 FIFA 2010 World Cup, has launched a campaign to welcome the World Cup in South Africa with a variety of activities and promotions for customers. Two Children will get the chance to experience the atmosphere of a World Cup match from the touchline as a McDonald’s Player Escort who will walk hand-in-hand onto the pitch with their football heroes, and have fun with many other activities.

McDonald’s has consistently supported global sports, such as its sponsorship of the Olympic Games for the last 41 years, and the FIFA World Cup for over 16 years, since from the FIFA World Cup in the USA. McDonald’s has also sponsored football at the global and grassroots level. At latest, McDonald’s Thailand signed a contract to sponsor the Thai national squad, as an official sponsor of the Football Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage (FAT) for a three year period from 2009-2012. McDonald’s has now unveiled a series of exciting activities and promotions to welcome the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

McThai Co Ltd Chairman of Executive Committee and Chief Executive, Mr.Hester Chew said, “As an official sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, we will continue sport marketing efforts and our commitment to a Balanced, Active, Lifestyle as we have always done, aiming to strengthen communities through sports and social activities. We have prepared a range of activities for our customers and the general public to celebrate this global festival of sport. There are the McDonald’s Player Escorts - children leading players out onto the football pitch, the chance to win a holiday package to South Africa to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final, the Coke Contour Limited Edition glass, the FIFA Set promotion and live broadcasts of all 2010 World Cup matches in 30 McDonald’s restaurants.”

The McDonald’s Player Escort will give children worldwide the opportunity to savor the intense atmosphere of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Especially for Thailand, McDonald’s has joined the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to give Thai children the chance to fly to South Africa and become part of the football tournament by applying to be a McDonald’s Player Escort. The two children selected will receive free round-trip tickets to South Africa plus accommodation, food and transportation for a stay of four days and three nights, for themselves and one parent or guardian. They will get the chance to meet top football stars up close, leading them onto the pitch for the World Cup Final match. They will also visit tourist attractions in South Africa, all of which will be a great experience for them to tell their friends back home in Thailand. Application forms are available from now until January 31 at all McDonald’s restaurants.

Mrs. Taya Teepsuwan, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, revealed that “Bangkok Metropolitan administration has the policy to promote culture, tourism and sport activities. Our policy is similar to McDonald’s commitment to Balanced, Active, Lifestyles. We encourage children to exercise and play sports for having both good physical and mental health. McDonald’s Player Escort is a good program to develop the skills and potential of Thai children so we would like to support the program by promoting the activity in BMA schools and providing location for activities.”

McDonald’s also has a range of other promotions for customers. Football fans are invited to win two package holidays to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final in South Africa, cheering on the two best teams in the world close up. McDonald’s is also tempting collectors with the Coca Cola Contour Limited Edition glass set, with six glasses to collect. Customers will also be offered the “FIFA Set” meal. Throughout the tournament, football fans can cheer on their favorite teams together, as McDonald’s will be showing the live action from every 2010 FIFA World Cup match at 30 McDonald’s restaurants.

“McDonald’s is using 50 million baht of marketing budget for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa campaign, aiming to communicate with customers in 360 degrees. We use both Above the Line and Below the Line activities, and public relations to make contact with consumers at all touch points, whether TV ads, magazines, newspapers, marketing events, leaflets or other media. We expect to expand our customer base in every group and increase sales by 25-30 percent” Mr.Hester Chew add.

McDonald’s is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 31,000 local restaurants serving 58 million people in more than 118 countries each day. McDonald’s is one of the world’s most well-known and valuable brands and holds a leading share in the globally branded quick service restaurant segment of the informal eating-out market in virtually every country in which we do business. Currently, there are 130 McDonald’s restaurants in Thailand with a range of convenience services at anytime, anywhere including Dine-in, Take-away, Drive Thru, Dessert Centers and McCafé - a premium coffee shop as an in-line counter at McDonald’s which offers premium espresso coffee for customers at value prices. There is also the McDelivery 1711 service 24 hours. In response to today’s customer lifestyles, McDonald’s offers 24/7 and Wi-Fi service in modern contemporary, comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.