Securing a hotel or travel collaboration might seem like a pipe dream, but the truth is: if you’ve got an engaged audience and a clear value offer, there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t land one this summer.

Whether you’re a content creator, UGC specialist, or just someone with a creative edge and a phone, this guide will walk you through every step, from research to pitch to posting, so you can start working with dreamy hotels, resorts, and travel brands immediately.

Step 1: Define Your Offer (Before You Even Think About Pitching)

Hotels get approached daily, especially in summer. If you want your message to stand out, you need to lead with value. That starts by getting crystal clear on what you can offer them.

Ask yourself:

• Can you create high-quality content (Reels, TikToks, UGC, drone shots)?
• Do you have a niche audience that travels or books stays regularly?
• Can you drive traffic to their website, booking platform, or social media?

Tip: Even if your following is small, you can offer content creation in exchange for a stay, especially if you position it as UGC they can use across their channels.

Be specific with your offer:

“I can provide 3 Reels, 10 edited photos, and a TikTok in exchange for a 2-night stay. You’ll also receive usage rights for all content created.”

Step 2: Shortlist Hotels That Actually Collaborate

Don’t waste time pitching the Four Seasons if your current brand doesn’t align with theirs. Focus on:

• Boutique hotels
• Eco-resorts
• New openings
• Family-run properties
• Hotels actively reposting creators’ content

Search Instagram using hashtags like:

• #HotelCollaboration
• #PressTrip
• #HostedStay
• #(HotelName) + “gifted”

You’ll quickly see which hotels have partnered with creators before and that’s your green light.

Step 3: Find the Right Contact (and Don’t Skip This)

Avoid generic “info@” emails where possible. Instead:

• Head to the hotel’s Instagram and look at who’s tagged in posts or who replies to comments.
  
• If all else fails, email the general manager and kindly ask to be directed to their marketing contact.

Tip: Smaller hotels often handle marketing in-house, so don’t be surprised if the GM replies directly.

Step 4: Craft a Short, Punchy Pitch Email

Forget long introductions and fluffy bios. Hotels want to know three things:

1. Who you are
2. What you’re offering
3. What they’ll get in return

Here’s a pitch structure that works:

Subject line: Collaboration Request - Summer Content Creation Opportunity

Email body:

Hi (Name),
I hope you’re well! I’m (your name), a (content creator/UGC creator/travel writer) with an engaged audience (insert follower count and engagement rate), who love discovering beautiful stays across (insert region or niche).

I’ll be in (location) from (dates), and I’d love to collaborate with (hotel name) to create high-quality content that you can use across your platforms. I can offer:

• • 2 Reels and 10 edited photos
  • A TikTok review of the stay
  • Full usage rights
  • Optional add-ons like drone footage or Instagram stories

In return, I’m seeking a hosted 2-night stay (flexible on dates). I’ve worked with (hotel/brand examples if applicable), and I always tailor content to match the brand’s tone and audience. Please click here to view recent examples of my content (link media kit or portfolio, if you have one).

Please let me know if this is something you’d be open to discussing, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Warm regards,
(Your Name)
(Social links)

Tip: Keep it about them, not you. You’re solving a content problem they might not even know they have.

Step 5: Follow Up (Most Partnerships Happen Here)

No response? Don’t panic. Hotels are busy, especially during peak season. Wait five days, then send a polite follow-up:

“Hi (Name), just checking in to see if you had a chance to review my previous message. I’d still love to collaborate while I’m in town. Happy to work around your availability and tailor the deliverables to your needs.”

Most people give up too quickly. Following up shows you’re professional and serious.

Step 6: Prepare to Overdeliver

If the partnership is confirmed:

• Confirm check-in/out times and who your main contact is.
• Ask if they have a shot list, brand guidelines, or preferred angles.
• Scope out the property online beforehand so you arrive with ideas.

Content tip: Create your best work. These collabs open doors to paid campaigns, bigger stays, and referrals, so treat every one like a portfolio piece.

Step 7: Deliver and Tag Like a Pro

Once your stay is complete, deliver content on time and always tag the hotel properly. Don’t just drop a tag and go. Include them in captions, give glowing shout-outs, and thank them publicly. You want your content to feel natural and warm, not transactional.

Optional: Send them a thank-you email after check-out with all assets neatly linked in a Google Drive folder.

You don’t need a million followers or a manager to land hotel collabs. What you do need is a clear offer, strategic pitching, and the confidence to follow up professionally.

Make this your summer of partnerships, the kind that lets you travel smarter, build your portfolio, and enjoy the perks of doing what you love.

No more waiting around for brands to find you. Pitch smart, pitch now, and pitch like someone who belongs there, because you do.

That All Sounds Great, But I've Earned My Stripes Already, How Do I Get Paid?

Securing a gifted stay is a brilliant starting point, but if you’re serious about turning content creation into a business, then paid travel partnerships should be the goal.

The good news? Hotels and travel brands do have marketing budgets. You just need to show them why you’re worth investing in.

Here’s how to make the shift from complimentary stays to paid collaborations:

1. Start By Offering Value-Heavy, Gifted Collaborations

Yes, even if your end goal is to get paid, the reality is: most creators start with unpaid work to prove their value.

The trick? Treat every gifted stay like it’s a paid campaign.

• Deliver content on time
• Communicate professionally
• Ask for a testimonial or quote post-stay
• Save all analytics to include in future pitches

This gives you case studies you can reference when pitching paid campaigns.

2. Know What Hotels Will Pay For

Hotels don’t just pay for content, they pay for outcomes. That means:

• Direct bookings through your affiliate link or discount code
• User-generated content they can reuse for ads, websites, or brochures
• Whitelisting or ad licensing rights
• Exposure to a niche audience (honeymooners, solo travellers, digital nomads, etc.)
• Professional-quality content they’d otherwise hire a photographer or videographer to create

Your job is to show them how you save them money while adding real value.

3. Pitch Paid Services Like an Agency

The easiest way to transition from “influencer” to “partner” is to start acting like one. When pitching for paid work, structure your proposal like a service menu:

Proposal Example:

• 2 x Reels (with optional voiceovers) - £250 each
• 1 x TikTok - £300
• 10 edited stills for use on socials - £200
• 7-day story coverage with link tracking - £100
• Full usage rights for content (3 months) - £150
• Optional add-on: Whitelisting rights for ads - £100 per platform

Tip: You can quote this as a bundle or per deliverable, depending on the hotel’s size and budget.

4. Use Past Results to Justify Your Rates

Numbers talk. Include screenshots or examples showing:

• Increased bookings from your stay
• Engagement rates on hotel-related content
• Before-and-after follower growth for the brand
• Click-through rates from story links or bio links

Even if you’re still building your audience, you can lean on:

• Strong video performance (high saves, shares, and watch time)
• Creative quality
• Professional communication and delivery

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Charge

If a hotel says they have no budget, that doesn’t always mean no budget at all, it might just mean they need help understanding the value.

Try this:

“Totally understand if a hosted stay is the only option at this time. Just so you know, I do offer paid packages for high-quality video content, which many of my previous clients use for Instagram ads or TikTok marketing. Happy to tailor a quote if this becomes relevant in future!”

Sometimes the way you present pricing is what gives them confidence to invest.

6. Build a Portfolio Beyond Hotels

If you’re not quite at the stage of landing paid hotel stays, think about:

• Working with travel gear brands
• Getting paid to promote travel insurance, luggage, skincare, or booking platforms
• Partnering with local restaurants or experiences in the destination
• Creating UGC for Airbnb listings or independent rentals

All of these are easier to monetise early on and they still position you as a travel content creator, which makes hotel pitches even stronger.

7. Set Your Minimum Rate and Stick to It

Whether you’re quoting £100 or £1,000, decide on your non-negotiables:

• Your time
• Your production quality
• Your experience

Charging for content isn’t “being cheeky”, it’s standard business. And the sooner you start positioning yourself this way, the more comfortable it will feel (and the more seriously you’ll be taken).

If you're not too sure what to say, here's another email pitch template for you:

Subject line options:

• Summer Content for (Hotel Name)
• Content & Exposure Opportunity
• Travel Creator Partnership Proposal for (Hotel Name)

Email body:

Hi (Name),

I hope you’re well and that the summer season is treating you kindly so far!

I’m (your name), a travel content creator with a highly engaged audience (insert follower count and engagement rate), who look to me for inspiration on where to stay, what to book, and how to travel well. I’m currently planning summer travel dates in (destination) and would love to collaborate with (hotel name) on a paid content partnership.

Here’s a quick outline of what I can offer:

• High-quality Reels and short-form video content tailored to your brand
• A dedicated TikTok or Instagram feature showcasing the stay
• 10+ edited photos with full usage rights for your socials or marketing
• Instagram stories with direct swipe-up links and strong engagement

I’ve worked with hotels such as (insert name(s) or leave out if you’re building your portfolio), and my content has consistently led to high reach, saves, and direct booking enquiries. Please click here to view recent examples of my content (link media kit or portfolio, if you have one).

My standard content package starts at (£XXX), but I’d be happy to tailor a quote based on your specific needs and upcoming availability.

Please let me know if this is something you’d be open to discussing. I’d love to create something fresh, engaging, and valuable for your audience this season.

Warm regards,
(Your Name)
(Instagram / TikTok handle)

Optional PS:

PS. If paid collaborations aren’t within your current budget, I also offer bespoke content packages that can be used as evergreen marketing assets at a much lower cost than traditional campaigns.

If They’re Getting Value, They Can Afford to Pay

The tourism industry thrives on content, especially in a world where people book based on what they see on Instagram or TikTok. If your content can influence just one booking, then you’ve already paid your way.

So pitch with confidence, lead with value, and remember, you’re not asking for a favour, you’re offering a service.