To Counter Groupon & LivingSocial, Travelzoo Does TV [VIDEO]

Media attention for Groupon and LivingSocial has prompted travel deals publisher Travelzoo to launch its first TV campaign, a $1.5 million effort.

The ad above features a choreographed number called the "Travelzoo Top 20 Dance" (named after the site’s list of daily deals published every Wednesday) to the tune of Toni Basil’s 1982 hit “Mickey." The spot will air during Dancing with the Stars on May 16. The dance was choreographed by Jennifer Hamilton, who put together dances for the Austin Powers movies, among others. An '80s tune with dancing is likely a bid to seek viral success on the web, since both elements often propel social pickup.

Travelzoo is also running a Facebook-based contest asking consumers to upload a video of themselves doing the dance. Prizes include vacation-for-two packages and Travelzoo T-shirts.