By: Emma Lane
Olha Kotova started using drones in hotel marketing because she noticed something important: many hotels have beautiful spaces that don’t get shown properly. By capturing aerial footage, she helps hotels highlight what makes them unique — their location, views, and atmosphere — in a way that connects with potential guests and encourages bookings. We talked to Olha about how she turned drone videos into a smart marketing strategy that goes beyond just looking good.
Emma Lane: Olha, how did you come up with the idea to use drones in hotel marketing?
Olha Kotova: It started with a simple observation — many beautiful hotels struggle to showcase themselves properly. In October 2024, I began offering drone content to hotels, and the response was immediate. Aerial footage reveals what you can’t capture from the ground: location, views, atmosphere. From the very first project, it was clear — this isn’t just about visuals, it’s about driving bookings.
Emma: What makes your approach different?
Olha: I don’t just film — I deliver a strategic visual product. Before every shoot, I study the hotel’s brand, analyze its audience, and build a creative concept. The goal isn’t just a “pretty video,” but one that emotionally connects and drives conversions. I aim to help hotels stand out in a highly competitive market.
Emma: What results do hotels typically see?
Olha: Many report increased engagement on social media, longer website retention, and more direct bookings. One hotel told me the drone video I created became their top-performing content of the season. People save it, share it, and are more likely to move toward booking after watching it.
Emma: What does your process look like?
Olha: I typically stay at a hotel for 2–3 days and plan everything in advance. I film at different times of day — sunrise and golden hour are key. I deliver a full content package: aerial videos, room tours, ambient lifestyle shots, short vertical videos, and Instagram Stories. The hotel receives polished, ready-to-use content that can be posted immediately.
Emma: Why do you believe drone footage is more than just beautiful visuals?
Olha: Because visual content is the first touchpoint with a potential guest. If you don’t show what makes your property unique in the first five seconds, you’ve already lost them. Drone footage immediately highlights what sets you apart — maybe it’s ocean access, mountain views, or a sense of privacy. That’s what drives emotional decisions to book.
Emma: What changes are you seeing in hotel marketing?
Olha: There’s a shift away from overly polished, staged imagery toward more authentic, real-life visuals. Guests want to see what their morning will feel like, the view from their window, the evening ambiance. This isn’t just a trend — it’s the new standard. Hotels that adapt quickly are the ones that win.
Emma: How do you convince hotels that your services are an investment, not just a “content expense”?
Olha: I speak their language — the language of business. Content is not “nice visuals,” it’s a guest acquisition tool. I show how the right video holds attention, builds trust, and increases the likelihood of conversion. On top of that, the hotel receives a universal package that works across all platforms — website, Instagram, email, even OTA listings. It’s a one-time investment in a high-performing asset, not a disposable photoshoot.
Published by Jeremy S.
