Dylan Efron Teams with Marriott Bonvoy for $10 Million Outdoor Treasure Hunt
Reality‑TV personality Dylan Efron has teamed up with Marriott International's Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program to launch the Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors Drop Pin Challenge, a nationwide treasure hunt that kicked off on June 12, 2024 at Big Bear Lake, California. The first‑to‑find each of the 20 hidden pins wins 10,000 Bonvoy points – part of a $10 million point pool – that can be cashed in for stays, tours or even a one‑point experience with Efron himself.
Background of the Challenge
Marriott’s outdoor‑focused brand, Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors, debuted earlier this year as a digital marketplace for nature‑centric trips. With more than 450 hotels, 50,000 homes and villas, and curated experiences across 70 world‑renowned natural sites, the platform is designed to turn a weekend hike into a fully serviced getaway. The Drop Pin Challenge is the latest marketing push, aimed at converting point‑rich members into active adventurers.
How the Drop Pin Hunt Works
Members must be enrolled in Marriott Bonvoy and opt‑in through the app. Each location has a GPS coordinate, but the actual physical marker – a weather‑proof metal disc engraved with the Bonvoy logo – is hidden somewhere within a half‑day’s trek radius. The first 50 participants to upload a photo of the pin (showing the unique QR code) earn 10,000 points. After the initial round, a second‑tier reward of 5,000 points goes to the next 100 finders.
Because speed matters, participants often form impromptu “search parties” on local hiking forums. The company’s social‑media team monitors uploads in real‑time, posting leaderboards on Instagram and Twitter every 24 hours.
Locations and Rewards
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming – geothermal wonderland.
- Maui, Hawaii – volcanic beaches and surf breaks.
- Banff National Park, Alberta – turquoise lakes and glacier views.
- Grand Canyon, Arizona – iconic layered cliffs.
- Blue Ridge Mountains, spanning Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee – endless ridge walks.
- Big Bear Lake, California – the launch site, perfect for mountain biking.
Each pin is paired with a themed “experience voucher.” For example, the Banff pin unlocks a free guided glacier hike, while the Maui pin grants a one‑hour surf lesson. All vouchers are redeemable through the Marriott Bonvoy app, blending loyalty points with authentic outdoor activities.
Dylan Efron's Role and Public Appeal
Efron isn’t just a face; he hid the inaugural pin himself, trekking to a secluded ridge above Big Bear Lake and documenting the process for a short video that now has 1.2 million views on TikTok. In the clip he says, “I woke up in the middle of nowhere. Let’s go explore.” The authenticity resonates with his fan base, which grew after he won The Traitors and joined season 32 of Dancing with the Stars. His previous outdoor escapades – a Boston Marathon in April 2020 followed by a trek to Nepal in September 2020, rock‑climbing in Croatia, and a solo hike through Guyana – reinforce his credibility as a genuine adventurer.
“I want people to feel that the wilderness is accessible, not intimidating,” Efron told Travel + Leisure in an interview. “If you can earn a point for a night in a cabin by finding a pin, why not turn that point into a memory?”
Marriott's Strategy in Adventure Tourism
Marriott International, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, has been nudging its loyalty program toward experiential rewards for the past three years. The $10 million point allocation for the Drop Pin Challenge marks the largest single‑event commitment to adventure tourism to date. Industry analysts say the move helps Marriott capture a younger demographic that values experiences over material goods.
According to a recent report from Skift, loyalty‑driven adventure programs have increased member engagement by an average of 27 % within six months of launch. Marriott’s Outdoor Collection – featuring Postcard Cabins with floor‑to‑ceiling glass and Trailborn Hotels embedded in national parks – leverages the same trend, promising “cozy, unparalleled privacy” amid rugged settings.
Future Outlook
Marriott plans to roll out a second wave of pins in early 2025, expanding to Caribbean islands and the Canadian Rockies. A “one‑point drop moment” with Efron is slated for July 2024, where a lucky participant will receive a private sunrise paddle‑boarding session on Lake Tahoe, streamed live on the Marriott Bonvoy Instagram page.
Critics caution that the treasure‑hunt format could strain fragile ecosystems if not managed carefully. Marriott has pledged to work with the National Park Service and local conservation groups to ensure all pins are placed in low‑impact zones.
Key Facts
- Launch date: June 12, 2024
- Total points awarded: 10 million
- Number of pins: 20 across the U.S. and Canada
- First‑place reward per pin: 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
- Partner celebrity: Dylan Efron, 33, reality‑TV star and avid outdoorsman
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I join the Drop Pin Challenge?
Sign in to the Marriott Bonvoy app, opt‑in to the ‘Outdoors’ section, and enable location services. The app will then display the GPS coordinates for the next active pin and a ‘Check‑in’ button to upload your photo proof.
What happens if I find a pin after the first 50 participants?
You’ll still receive 5,000 points and a location‑specific experience voucher, provided you submit a valid photo with the QR code before the pin’s expiration date (usually two weeks after discovery).
Are there any environmental safeguards in place?
Marriott works with local park authorities and follows Leave‑No‑Trace principles. All pins are installed in pre‑approved low‑traffic zones, and participants are reminded to stay on marked trails.
Can non‑members earn points through the challenge?
Only Marriott Bonvoy members can claim points. However, non‑members can still join the hunt for the experience vouchers, which are available to anyone who submits a valid pin photo.
What’s the timeline for the next set of pins?
Marriott has hinted at a spring 2025 rollout that will add Caribbean islands and the Canadian Rockies, with announcements expected in February 2025.