Student Travel Group
Student Travel Group
Student Travel Group in Turkey
2025 Post-Trip Impact Report

Transforming Students Into Lifelong Travelers

A fully-sponsored week in Istanbul + Athens turned 27 University of Michigan students into passionate advocates for travel and your brand partners.

Partnership Impact Summary

Consolidated results showing measurable ROI for Turkish Airlines

27
Students Transformed
161%
Airline Preference Increase
100%
Loyalty Program Signups
98%
Student Perception Growth

First-Time Travel Experiences

We reached students who had never experienced international travel, creating lifelong advocates for global exploration

11%
First-time Passport Holders
Never had international travel documents before this trip
74%
Never Visited Asia Before
First exposure to Asian culture and destinations
30%
Never Beyond Caribbean
Limited to familiar, nearby destinations before Student Travel Group

Diverse Student Demographics

Ethnicity Representation

46.5%
White
33.3%
Black
8.1%
Latinx
8.1%
Asian
4%
Multiple

This diversity enriches our travel experiences and creates authentic connections with the cultures we visit.

Gender & Travel Experience

Gender Distribution
54%
Men
46%
Women
Travel Experience Highlights
First international experience for many
Expanded travel horizons
Diverse backgrounds creating cultural exchange
Turkish Airlines

A Partnership That Soars

See how Turkish Airlines transformed from unknown to preferred airline choice among our students

Before the Trip
Had never seen Turkish Airlines plane
55%
Had loyalty account
0%
Would choose Turkish Airlines
Low
After the Trip
Signed up for loyalty program
100%
Increase in airline preference
161%
Would recommend to others
High

Student Experience Highlights

Service Excellence

Students experienced world-class service and hospitality that exceeded expectations

Cultural Connection

Turkish Airlines became a gateway to Turkish culture and hospitality

Loyalty Building

100% of students signed up for Miles & Smiles loyalty program

Destinations That Inspire

From Istanbul's ancient mosques to Athens' timeless Acropolis, students discovered cultures that changed their worldview

Students in Turkey wearing headscarves at Hagia Sophia
Turkey Experience

Cultural Immersion in Istanbul

Most Unexpected

"The most unexpected thing was seeing cats inside our Airbnb and the incredible hospitality of locals"

Most Unforgettable

"The Bazaars and watching people communicate and negotiate - experiencing the vibrant culture firsthand"

Cultural Learning

"Learning about the tradition of music being played at mosques and connecting with local customs"

Greece Experience

Ancient Wonders in Athens

Most Unexpected

"The incredible preservation of ancient architecture and how accessible history felt"

Most Unforgettable

"The Acropolis - seeing the Parthenon that I'd read about in Percy Jackson books come to life"

Island Experience

"Exploring Athens by electric bike and discovering hidden gems throughout the ancient city"

Students at the Acropolis in Greece

Destination Transformation Data

Comprehensive analysis of how travel experiences shifted destination perceptions

Turkey Travel Intent Analysis
Before Trip
4.0/10
Below average interest
After Trip
8.0/10
Great interest
Turkey - Students rating 7+
8% → 75%
Middle East - Students rating 7+
38% → 92%
98% Overall Increase
Greece Travel Intent Analysis
Before Trip
7.0/10
Moderate interest
After Trip
9.0/10
Near perfect
Greece - Students rating 7+
54% → 100%
Europe - Students rating 7+
92% → 100%
42% Overall Increase

Key Destination Insights

Cultural Immersion Impact

Students who experienced local customs have a much higher return intent

Emotional Connection

Many students reported feeling "emotionally connected" to destinations visited

Advocacy Behavior

Students said they endorsed these destinations to friends and family

Student Voices

Hear directly from students about their transformative experiences

"Talk to everyone, even the people you normally wouldn't. Try things, say yes more than no, and don't overthink how you come across."

Student Participant

"Embrace the unknown, come with an open mind, say yes to all opportunities."

Student Participant

"It is genuinely the greatest trip I've ever been on and likely the greatest trip I will ever go on, so do not take it for granted."

Student Participant

Moments That Changed Everything

A gallery of transformative moments showing how impactful this trip really was

Students at Hagia Sophia
Students in Turkey
Students on boat in Greece
Student holding a cat in Turkey
Students looking over the Aegean Sea
Students on Greek island

Why Partner With Us?

We create authentic brand experiences that generate lasting customer loyalty and measurable business impact.

Diverse Reach

Access underrepresented communities and first-time travelers who become lifelong customers.

Measurable Impact

Track real metrics like brand perception shifts, loyalty program signups, and purchase intent increases.

Lasting Loyalty

Create genuine brand ambassadors through transformative experiences, not paid promotions.

University of Michigan