Malaysian hotels afraid to turn away social media influencers asking for free stay

As more people flock online to carve out their own celebrity status and accumulate followers, hotels have been getting increasing requests from social media influencers for all-expenses paid holidays.

Hotel marketing and communications manager Beverly* has had a hectic week. She’s been busy generating publicity for a new restaurant at the property. The last thing she needs is for a minor Instagram celebrity writing in with a request for a free stay at the glitzy hotel in Kuala Lumpur she works at.

“Her followers aren’t even the kind of people who stay at this hotel. Her Instagram feed is more focused on fashion, while my hotel caters to corporate people.