Most hotels think working with content creators is just about free stays…

The truth? It can be a powerful strategy to boost direct bookings—if done right.

Hotels that work with content creators the right way are seeing an increase of at least 30% more direct bookings. Yet, many still struggle to make these partnerships work.

But this strategy goes beyond mere likes and followers—it builds a bridge to start reaching more ideal guests through authentic and engaging content.

In this post, you’ll learn how to successfully collaborate with content creators to drive real results—more direct bookings, stronger brand awareness, and a high-quality content library, without overspending on ads. Let’s dive in!

In this real life example, I’m sharing with you one simple strategy that’s been overlooked by many marketers.

For one newly opened resort, leveraging content creators in the first six months made a huge impact—not just in growing their online presence, but also in converting that visibility into real bookings.

But before I go into the details, let’s cover the basics first.

Why hotels should work with content creators?

Content creators offer more than just pretty pictures. They bring:

Fresh perspectives – Capturing your hotel in a way that resonates with their audience.
High-quality content – Professional visuals that enhance your brand.
A trusted audience – Their followers rely on their recommendations, making them more likely to book.

By partnering with the right creators, hotels can tap into new markets, build credibility, and turn passive interest into direct revenue.

The Strategy: How This Resort Used Content Creators for Growth

When I was working on this newly opened resort, my main challenge was to drive awareness, build a strong content library, and boost direct bookings, and to achieve that I implemented a content creator strategy that delivered remarkable results.

Here’s what I did:

Partnered with 3 Expert Content Creators – We carefully selected creators who aligned with the resort’s brand and had an engaged audience of potential travelers.

Built a High-Quality Photo & Video Library – The content they produced wasn’t just for social media—it became a key asset for the website, marketing campaigns, and PR.

Structured a Posting Strategy – Instead of random posts, we planned a phased rollout:

• Teasers before the stay to build anticipation
• Live experiences during their visit to drive real-time engagement
• Post-stay reviews & recommendations to encourage bookings

Maximized Exposure Without Ads – All of this was achieved organically, without spending a cent on paid ads.

The Results: More Followers, More Engagement, More Direct Bookings

📈 +12K Instagram Followers in 3 Months – A highly engaged audience built from scratch.
📸 A Robust Content Library – Professional images & videos used across multiple marketing channels.
🎯 Increased Direct Bookings – The audience wasn’t just watching—they were booking.
🚀 Boosted Brand Awareness – More visibility led to organic PR coverage and a strong online presence.

How Hotels Can Implement This Strategy

1️⃣ Identify the Right Creators – Don’t just go for follower count. Look for engagement, audience alignment, and storytelling ability.

2️⃣ Define Your Goals – Are you focused on awareness, content creation, or direct conversions? Set clear objectives.

3️⃣ Build a Strategic Collaboration – Give creators exclusive experiences they can showcase authentically.

4️⃣ Track & Optimize Results – Use engagement data, link tracking, and direct booking performance to measure success.

Final Thoughts: Why This Strategy Works

Working with content creators isn’t just a social media trend—it’s a proven strategy to drive real business growth. By leveraging authentic storytelling, high-quality content, and trusted recommendations, hotels can increase visibility, attract the right guests, and grow direct revenue.

👉 Want to implement this strategy for your hotel? Let’s chat in the comments below