Hotel chain hires Instagram 'sitters' to take holiday snaps for guests

A hotel chain is offering "social media sitters" to take and upload holiday photos for guests' Instagram accounts.

Ibis Hotels in Geneva and Zurich are offering a “Relax, live in the moment” service, which starts at £70, to encourage guests to enjoy their trip "without digital stress."

“The new service is all about digital detox,” Ibis said in a statement translated through Google.

“Millennials experience special moments rarely without distraction. 'Pics or it did not happen' is their mantra.”

The hotel has hired Instagram celebrities to take the photos including Sara Leutenegger, a contestant on Germany’s Next Top Model television show, Cristina Gheiceanu, a lifestyle blogger, and Sylwina, a DJ based in Zurich.

Guests who use the service hand over their Instagram passwords to the sitter for their stay, brief them on their interests and expectations from the photos.

They will be able to benefit from the “expertise of Instagram sitters and their in-depth knowledge of destinations” around the two cities.

All pictures are marked #postedbysocialmediasitter.

Philippe Alanou, senior vice-president of Accor Hotels in central Europe, which owns the Ibis chain, said the service was unique: “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.”

According to research by travel site Expedia, the biggest priority for young people travelling abroad is how Instagrammable their destination is.