Hotel Hires Instagram Influencers As 'Sitters' To Take Holiday Photos For Guests

A hotel chain in Switzerland is offering a unique service called "Relax We Post" which allows its guests to hire "social media sitters" who would take photos on behalf of them and post them on their Instagram pages.

Ibis hotel, in its locations in Geneva and Zurich, now have the option to purchase a room package that includes a hired Instagram "influencer." This, according to the hotel chain, will let the vacationers take a break from social media while still maintaining their presence online and also benefit from the social media sitters' in-depth knowledge of destinations around the two cities. This service, called “Relax We Post,” costs anywhere between 90 CHF ($90.18) to 150 CHF.

So far only a handful of customers have availed the service, which was introduced recently on a trial basis, Digital Trends reported Sunday. The social media influencers working for the hotel include Geneva-based lifestyle blogger Cristina Gheiceanu; local radio DJ Sylwina and Sara Leutenegger, a candidate on Germany's Next Top Model.

Vacationers who opt for this service should give their Instagram passwords and mention their interests and expectations, based on which the influencers will capture the photos and upload them. All photos would be marked #postedbysocialmediasitter, according to the terms of the service.

The hotel chain management said they have got several bookings but are yet decided whether to extend the service.

"[Ibis is] moving with the times. Smartphone dependency and social media pressure are a very topical issue, particularly for the young, urban target groups that the Ibis family appeals to,” Pascal Aeberhard, marketing and PR director for AccorHotels Switzerland (Ibis is owned by AccorHotels), told Quartz.

“We closely follow societal trends and adapt to offer our customers innovative services. This initiative is also part of our commitment to providing a memorable experience," said Philippe Alanou, senior vice-president of Accor Hotels in central Europe, Yahoo News reported.

According to a research by travel site Expedia, the most significant priority for many young people traveling abroad is how "Instagrammable" their destination is. The research, which examined what inspires millennials and Gen X to travel, found those aged 18-34 research just how good a location would look on their Instagram feed before clicking book. Two-thirds of those who took part in the survey chose "Instagrammability" of a location as the most significant factor while booking.