Hana Tour Launches Character-Based AppTech ‘HanaFriends’ Featuring 1.8M-View Quokka
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
Hana Tour launched a character-driven apptech service called “HanaFriends” on the 19th. The mobile feature combines simple missions, mini-games and character nurturing to increase user retention. Players complete daily check-ins, missions and random draws to earn “leaves” (in-app reward points). Leaves are used to feed and play with characters, raising intimacy levels and granting “lucky leaves” that can be exchanged for gift coupons like chicken, coffee or ice cream. The lead character is the quokka — an animal character that accumulated 1.8 million views through Hana Tour’s YouTube series “Harmless Travel,” and helped the channel surpass 100,000 subscribers. A core mini-game, “Jumping Hana,” uses two-button controls and offers weekly leaf rewards to encourage repeat play; the game is casual and accessible to all ages. Hana Tour aims to convert social and YouTube audience engagement into longer app sessions and potentially tie the platform into travel product offerings. Industry observers call this an “IP-based lock-in” strategy focused on repeated visits and emotional bonds rather than one-off rewards, as competition among OTAs intensifies. Hana Tour says the move is meant to expand customer touchpoints, strengthen community and provide a more enjoyable, ongoing brand experience.
