Cable giant Virgin Media UK has launched a new strategic marketing campaign, which will run until the end of this year and be epitomised by the image of a red feather, that aims to "tickle" their "loyal" (existing) customers with a fresh batch of "brilliant experiences" (rewards) based on the way they use the operators service.

Loyal customers can expect to be offered a variety of free extras through its "tickle terminal" (we're not making this up, that's actually what they've called it), such as a product upgrade, a new piece of kit or an extra service. For example, a customer with one of Virgin's older Set-Top-Boxes (STB) could be offered a new one with the latest features.


Virgin Media also plans "a tickle tour", which will begin in mid-October 2011 and, unlike its namesake, shouldn't result in any sexual harassment lawsuits. Instead the operator aims to surprise a small and select number of customers across the country with big gifts, such as a free 40" HD TV or one year's worth of TiVo® service.