Fairmont Hotels & Resorts unveils new global brand campaign

Paying homage to the brand's centurion heritage as host to some of the world's most storied celebrations and history-making moments, as well as its legacy with the silver screen, the creative tells the story of the build-up to a grand celebration—capturing how Fairmont colleagues and guests come together to "Make Special Happen.”

Developed by King & Partners, the new campaign was directed by award-winning filmmaker Jean Claude Thibaut, and shot at Fairmont Royal York, Toronto. Stylistically, the creative evokes the charm of a classic film, a tribute to the refined elegance of a bygone era, where the North American spirit of allure and adventure on which Fairmont was founded, is reimagined for today.

It was inspired by the brand's rich heritage of hosting some of history's most momentous occasions, from the signing of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco, to Truman Capote's Black and White Ball in New York City, to John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 'bed in for peace' in Montreal. The creative team was tasked with building upon this legacy to set the stage for a new era of celebratory moments at Fairmont, looking forward to some of the more modern design hotels which shape the skyline of the destinations they reside in, such as Fairmont Doha and Fairmont Tokyo.

Through a mix of film and stills, the artwork follows a charismatic cast of characters through a series of intriguing and playful moments, leading up to an unforgettable celebration. The audience follows along as "The Celebrationist", the Grande Dame of the story, carefully pens her invites, handing them over to "The Porter", always on a mission to "Make Special Happen" for Fairmont guests.

He glides through the grand corridors of the hotel to hand deliver to "The Linksman", usually found out on the links or out on the town; "The Wellness Enthusiast", whose favourite places are in a Fairmont gym or on the dance floor; "The Muse & Her Makers", a family whose travels have taken them all over the world, always with their beloved Golden Retriever; and "The Legends in Leisure", still as in love as the day they met, and always ready for a night of cocktails and adventure. Tom Wolfe, America's first concierge, and chief concierge and director of heritage, flagship Fairmont San Francisco, also appears.

"Make Special Happen isn't just a campaign, it's part of our brand DNA and is the sentiment we make our guests feel. Fairmont hotels are social epicenters that blend genuine encounters with the heart of the action, creating vibrant spaces where communities gather. Occasions are celebrated, milestones are marked, and history is made every day at our 92 properties in 30 countries globally," says Omer Acar, CEO, Fairmont Raffles. "Bringing to life our first new global brand campaign in many years marks another special, history-making moment. 'Make Special Happen' reaffirms Fairmont's core identity and what sets it apart in a way that reaches a new and discerning audience."

Upon launch, the campaign will leverage a blend of still imagery alongside video showcasing the Fairmont film. A 360-degree paid media plan consisting of global print, online and social titles are being activated in two phases commencing May-July—and then September-October when all owned, earned and paid media channels will be fully live. Key regions for the campaign include North America, Canada, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

• Special Happens... After Dark – a series of nocturnal fetes and adventures, such as private access to the spa after hours for a wellness ritual under the stars at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa or Fairmont Austin, or an "anywhere dinner" on the lush grounds of Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakesh.
• Special Happens... In the Wild – indulgent experiences in the heart of nature, such as Fairmont Empress' famed afternoon tea on the beach, in a rainforest, or at the foot of a waterfall; or taking a seaplane from Fairmont Chateau Whistler to do guided yoga and meditation under a waterfall.
• Special Happens... Around the Table – embracing the power of mixology and dining, from playing chocolatier for a day, crafting your own one-of-a-kind chocolate bar with Fairmont Orchid, to participating in the ancient Hawaiian art of imu cooking; from private foraging experience to all-day roasting in an underground oven with Fairmont Kea Lani.
• Special Happens... In the Spotlight – a tapestry of moments inspired by the arts, culture, music and performance, from being welcomed into the home of a local chef or artisan to learn a craft that has been passed down for generations with Fairmont Jaipur; to a visit to the private home of Claude Nobs, famed founder of the Montreux Jazz Festival, not normally open to the public, arranged by Fairmont Le Montreux Palace.

Fairmont will continue to add new experiences to the collection throughout 2025.

Watch the film here.