Introduction

In the hospitality industry, guest experience begins long before check-in. For hotels operating near major transportation hubs, the shuttle vehicle is often the very first physical touchpoint a guest encounters. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Toronto Airport West understands the importance of presenting a professional, polished image at every stage of the guest journey.

To enhance brand visibility and ensure easy identification at busy airport pickup zones, Holiday Inn Express & Suites partnered with Printam to complete a full commercial wrap on their Ford Transit shuttle van. The goal was clear: create an obvious, brand-compliant vehicle that reinforces trust, improves guest convenience, and functions as a moving billboard throughout Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area.

Business Overview

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Toronto Airport West operates within the highly competitive hospitality and hotel industry, serving a diverse range of guests, including business travelers, airline crews, families, and international tourists. Located just minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport, the hotel relies heavily on its shuttle service to provide smooth, reliable transportation between the airport and hotel property.

In this environment, operational efficiency and brand consistency are essential. Guests arriving from long flights expect clear communication, easy identification, and a sense of professionalism. A well-branded shuttle vehicle eliminates confusion at pickup points, reassures guests they are in the right place, and reflects the hotel’s commitment to quality service.

Vehicle branding plays a critical role in hospitality marketing. Unlike static signage, a wrapped shuttle vehicle operates continuously—circulating through airport terminals, hotel districts, highways, and surrounding neighborhoods. It strengthens brand recall, builds trust among first-time visitors, and supports the hotel’s reputation as a reliable, organized accommodation provider.

For Holiday Inn Express & Suites, the Ford Transit wrap was not just a design upgrade—it was a strategic branding investment that supports both guest experience and long-term visibility.

City Overview: Mississauga, Ontario

Mississauga is one of Canada’s busiest commercial cities and a key gateway to the Greater Toronto Area. Home to Pearson International Airport, the city experiences constant movement of travelers, logistics vehicles, and hospitality services. With dense traffic corridors and an intense concentration of hotels, visibility is essential for standing out.

For hospitality businesses in Mississauga, professionally branded vehicles are a practical and effective marketing tool. A wrapped shuttle van ensures continuous exposure in high-traffic zones, reinforces brand recognition, and supports a professional presence in a competitive local market.

Project Overview

Vehicle Type & Purpose

• Vehicle: Ford Transit
• Vehicle Type: Full-size commercial shuttle van
• Primary Use: Airport shuttle transportation

The Ford Transit platform was selected for its reliability, passenger capacity, and suitability for daily shuttle operations. Given its frequent presence at airport terminals and surrounding roadways, the vehicle offered excellent potential for high-impact branding.

Branding Objectives

• Maintain strict adherence to Holiday Inn Express & Suites brand guidelines.
• Ensure clear, high-contrast visibility from a distance.
• Create instant recognition for arriving guests.
• Present a clean, modern, and professional image.

Design & Wrap Process

Creative Direction

The creative direction followed official Holiday Inn Express & Suites branding standards. The design prominently features the iconic blue background, white typography, and the recognizable “H” logo. Large, clean graphics were intentionally chosen to ensure visibility from all angles and at varying distances.

The layout was designed to flow seamlessly across the Ford Transit’s panels, doors, and contours while preserving readability and visual balance.

Materials & Finishes

To ensure durability and long-term performance, Printam used premium commercial-grade wrap materials, including:

• High-quality cast vinyl designed for vehicle applications
• Protective laminate to guard against UV exposure, road debris, and weather
• Finishes suitable for year-round Canadian climate conditions

Installation Planning

Before installation, the vehicle was inspected and measured to account for body lines, door seams, and functional components such as handles and lights. This planning stage ensured precise alignment and a clean final appearance.

Professional Wrap Installation Process

A professional vehicle wrap requires careful execution at every stage. Printam followed an industry-standard workflow to ensure optimal results.

1. Surface Preparation

The Ford Transit was thoroughly washed and degreased to remove dirt, wax, and contaminants. Proper surface preparation is essential to ensure strong vinyl adhesion and long-term durability.

2. Printing & Lamination

Graphics were printed using high-resolution commercial printers to maintain color accuracy and sharp detail. Each panel was then laminated to protect the ink and extend the lifespan of the wrap.

3. Panel Alignment & Test Fit

Before the final application, each vinyl panel was positioned on the vehicle to confirm alignment. This step ensured that logos, typography, and graphic elements flowed seamlessly across doors and body sections.

4. Vinyl Application

Using heat and pressure, the vinyl was carefully applied to conform to curves, edges, and recessed areas. Special attention was given to high-contact areas to ensure long-term adhesion.

5. Trimming & Finishing

Excess material was trimmed precisely around windows, lights, door handles, and seams. The final inspection ensured a smooth, professional finish with no bubbles or lifting edges.

Final Result & Business Impact

The completed Ford Transit wrap delivers a bold, polished appearance that aligns perfectly with Holiday Inn Express & Suites branding. The shuttle is now instantly recognizable at airport pickup points, reducing guest confusion and improving overall experience.

From a marketing perspective, the vehicle serves as a mobile billboard, promoting the hotel throughout Mississauga and the surrounding areas every day. The wrap enhances credibility, reinforces brand trust, and ensures consistent visual identity across all guest touchpoints.

For a hotel operating in a fast-paced airport environment, this level of professionalism directly supports customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

Benefits of Vehicle Wrap Advertising

Vehicle wraps offer a unique combination of branding and practicality, especially for service-based businesses.

Key benefits include:

• Continuous 24/7 brand exposure
• High visibility in local traffic and high-density areas
• Increased trust through professional presentation
• Protection of original vehicle paint
• One-time investment with multi-year returns

For hospitality businesses, wrapped vehicles also improve wayfinding and guest confidence, making them both a marketing and operational asset.

Cost Advantage vs Other Advertising

Compared to recurring advertising channels such as digital ads, print media, or billboards, vehicle wraps offer exceptional long-term value. Once installed, a wrap continues to generate impressions without ongoing costs.

Industry studies suggest that vehicle wraps deliver one of the lowest cost-per-impression rates in local advertising. For shuttle vehicles operating daily routes, the return on investment increases significantly over time.

Driving Directions to Printam

From 5599 Ambler Dr, Mississauga, ON L4W 3Z1

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Ford Transit wrap project for Holiday Inn Express & Suites Toronto Airport West demonstrates how professional vehicle branding can elevate guest experience, strengthen visibility, and support long-term marketing goals.

Whether you operate hotel shuttles, service fleets, or commercial vehicles, Printam delivers durable, high-impact wraps designed to perform on the road.

📍 Printam — Vehicle Wraps & Fleet Graphics

1375 Britannia Rd E, Mississauga, ON L4W 1C7

📞 (416) 848-1188

📧 sales@printam.ca