diff --git a/.travis.yml b/.travis.yml
index ee5650cac..1aacda7e7 100644
--- a/.travis.yml
+++ b/.travis.yml
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ branches:
   only:
   - master
   - development
+  - /^[vV]?\d+\.\d+\.\d+$/ # matches e.g., v1.2.3, 1.2.3, V1.2.3
 
 # added to make logs look cleaner, crisper, certified fresh
 before_install: unset _JAVA_OPTIONS