• by Tanya Gazdik , November 20, 2013

Hilton Hotels is kicking off a promotion aimed at professionals who have neglected to use their allotted vacation time.

With the year drawing to a close, Hilton has launched “International Use It Or Lose It Week.” The humorous campaign encourages workers to use their hard-earned vacation days before the year is over.

The campaign diagnoses professionals with “Vacationitis,” defined as an “epidemic creating high levels of stress and claiming countless hours of unused vacation time as it spreads among employees who have not taken enough time off this year.”

Symptoms include “Yellow Post-It Fever” and “Replyallgia,” outbreaks creating high levels of stress and claiming countless hours of unused vacation time as it spreads among employees who have not taken enough time off. 

A continuation of the popular Vacationitis campaign launched earlier this year, Hilton today unveils the updated Hilton Urgent Vacation Care Center which includes new quiz questions for diagnosing Vacationitis and a countdown clock reminding workers that their vacation days are expiring.

The campaign also includes humorous materials to download and share, including “out of office” email messages, a vacation approval letter and the 14 symptoms of Vacationitis and access to booking leisure packages such as the Instant Getaway and Leisure Escapes

Finally, the promotion includes a chance to win one of 15 weekend getaways to any Hilton property around the world.

“Today’s group of working professionals are putting in more hours than before and neglecting their much-needed vacation time to relax and recharge,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “Our Vacationitis campaign champions leisure travel and we’re encouraging workers to take advantage of their unused vacation days before they expire.”

Social media users can engage with Hilton on Facebook and follow the conversation at #Vacationitis on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest at @hiltonhotels.

Fans are also encouraged to share photos depicting “I'd rather be there, than here” -- contrasting images from their daily lives, such as their office, with places they might rather be, like a beautiful beach in the Caribbean.

Hilton also is aiming the promotion at overseas customers. A recent Hilton Hotels & Resorts survey of 2,000 British workers, conducted by OnePoll in November 2013, states that 4.5 million British employees are leaving more than six days of annual vacation on the table each year. While the average Brit is entitled to 23 days of leave each year, 40% rarely, or never, use their full allocation and three out of 10 workers spend their vacations worrying about their job.

During “International Use It or Lose It Week,” Hilton Hotels & Resorts ambassadors will be positioned at five commuter rail stations across London distributing branded oyster card holders to remind consumers to visit the Hilton Urgent Vacation Care Center website and use their hard-earned vacation time.