Social media are everything anno 2022 and especially in the tourism industry. Making people dream about a destination’s the first thing to do, everything else comes second. And what better way to do so than by posting lust-worthy pictures of tropical beaches, luxurious suites and mouthwatering tables? Right. There is no better way. Big hotel chains are getting that too so instead of focusing on more ‘classic’ ways of advertising, they’re now turning towards social media in order to attract new customers. But all that content has, of course, to be made by someone.
Whereas for a normal advertising campaign you’d hire a couple of models and a photographer, social media ask for a different approach. Often brands rely on influencers for such a job – meaning you’d have to at least have thousands of followers – but hotel chain Marriott Bonvoy is going for a different approach. How? Well, they’re looking for three ‘normal’ people to be their TikTok correspondents and they’re willing to go the distance to do so – moneywise, we mean.
As the world inches back to a place of normalcy, travel is one of those primal needs that we feel needs to be met. This initiative will amplify wanderlust and spark the motivation to travel by facilitating a true trip around the world that allows viewers and potential adventurers to experience each destination to the fullest.
Brian Povinelli, senior vice president of brand, loyalty, and portfolio marketing at Marriott International
Trip around the world
To put it concretely, the chosen candidates will get the chance to stay at ten of the chain’s luxury listings, which portfolio includes the Westin, Moxy Hotels, St Regis, the Ritz-Carlton and Homes & Villas by Marriott International. During those stays they’ll have to make TikTok content reporting on the accommodations and Marriott Bonvoy’s membership programme. In return, all their expenses will be paid, including flights, stays, meals, activities and so on. A package which in total comes in at a whopping 30.000 dollars. And as if that weren’t enough, on top of that, they’ll get a 15.000 dollar stipend. Not too shabby, right? In order to make the contest more or less accessible to all, the trip dates are flexible and you can work remotely during your stays as well.
@marriottbonvoy Travel & make TikToks. #30stays300days #contest ♬ I Just Wanna Know – Luke Reeves
“As the world inches back to a place of normalcy, travel is one of those primal needs that we feel needs to be met. This initiative will amplify wanderlust and spark the motivation to travel by facilitating a true trip around the world that allows viewers and potential adventurers to experience each destination to the fullest. It’s what they’re paying attention to, and it reaches the audience that we are keen on engaging. TikTok, by necessity – due to the parameters of the platform – encourages would-be travellers to be creative, succinct, and brief in their appeal to be a Marriott Bonvoy TikTok Correspondent,” explains Brian Povinelli, senior vice president of brand, loyalty, and portfolio marketing at Marriott International.
Those wanting to enter the competition have to be over 21 years old and should, of course, be able to use TikTok. Applying is possible by creating a TikTok video using the hashtags #30stays300days and #contest answering the question: “How has travel shaped you?”
