How to join
Do I have to pay to join the club?
No, it is free to join.
How many followers do I need to have to join the club?
We look at a number of factors when reviewing an application. The number of followers/fans is an important metric but we also look into engagement statics and content style.
- Number of Followers
- Instagram Followers – 50,000
- Facebook Followers – 50,000
- Youtube Average Views – 40,000
- Twitter Followers – 80,000
- SnapChat Views per story – 10,000
- Blog Unique Visits – 20,000
- Email subscribers – 10,000
- Engagement Levels – likes, comments, shares, interactions, open rates
- Instagram – Likes to Followers ratio: minimum 2.5%
- Instagram – Comments to Likes ratio: minimum 7%
- Content Style – what are the photos, videos, blog posts about. Does the content match with partner hotel and brand values.
I only have 19,000 Instagram followers, can I join?
Please apply to join and let our team review your accounts. The number of followers is only one of a few aspects which we consider when reviewing applications.
I have a combined total of 25,000 followers across multiple social media, can I join?
Please apply to join and let our team review your accounts. The number of followers is only one of a few aspects which we consider when reviewing applications.
I applied to join and I am still waiting for a decision, what should I do?
We allow up to three working days to review each application. Three working days refer to Monday – Friday and no (UK) public holidays. If after three working days you still have not received a reply, sent to the email you applied with, then contact our team directly at [email protected]
My application to join was declined, what should I do?
We are sorry that your application was declined but this is not permanent. When an application is declined the team member who reviewed the application will reply with the reasons for their decision and any steps the potential influencer can take before re-applying. Sometimes it’s just a case of continuing to build your number of followers and engagement rates.
Hotel Booking Process
How do I make a hotel reservation?
Once your application has been approved you are able to log in, update your influencer profile and see the hotel options. To book a hotel is simple, just click the ‘book now’ button and complete the booking request form. This form is sent to the hotel who then assess your request and reply directly to you within three working days.
Who makes the decision about my hotel reservation request?
That decision is made by the hotel. The hotel will look at each application base their decision on three key areas:
- Occupancy – how busy is the hotel for the dates you requested. If the hotel is very busy during the requested dates then they are more likely to decline your visit.
- Brand Fit – does the content you create match the hotel brand. For example: if you have a blog which posts about luxury shopping and lifestyle you’re more likely to be approved for a luxury hotel than a blogger who posts about backpacking and travelling economically.
- Influencer profile – each hotel has their own criteria for influencers. Hotels will assess your followers, engagement and your influencer bio. They want to know that you are similar to their example customer profile.
Remember, the overall aim of influencer marketing is to promote the hotel to potential customers via powerful community members.
Can I make last minute hotel reservation request?
Hotel reservation requests should be made at least 5 days before check-in. However reservation requests which are made more than three weeks before check-in are much more likely to be approved by the hotel.
Hotel teams work hard to manage availability and hotel occupancy, sending hotel reservation requests early makes this job easier for them.
How many hotels can I visit in 1 year?
There is no limit on the number of hotels you can visit. You can visit each hotel once within a 24 month period.
Can I book back-to-back hotel visits?
Yes and this is no problem. For example, you could book a two-week holiday itinerary in Thailand:
Bangkok – 2 Nights
Hua Hin – 2 Nights
Koh Samui – 2 Nights
Koh Phangan – 2 Nights
Phuket – 2 Nights
Khao Lak – 2 Nights
Chang Mai – 2 Nights
Bangkok – 2 Nights
Each hotel will be aware of your plan when they decide upon your booking request.
Can I arrange my own complimentary visits to hotels outside of the club?
Yes, this is no problem at all.
What should I include in my influencer biographical
The Influencer Biographical is the most important aspect of your profile. Hotels want to get to know you but they don’t want to read a lot.
Write a few short sentences about who you are. Make sure to cover the following points: What you do, your content style, travel style plus any experience or previous advertisers you have worked with as an influencer.
What is included at the hotel?
How many guests can stay in the room?
As standard two guests can check-in to one room. Both guests are complimentary and no surcharge will be charged. Breakfast is also included for the second guest.
In some cases, hotels/villas have larger occupancy and more guests may be able to check in. This information is included in the hotel description on this website.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, breakfast is included for both guests.
The only time breakfast is not included is if the hotel / villa doesn’t serve breakfast as standard. This system may be common in small private villas. The hotel description on this website details if breakfast is included.
Do I have to pay tax and service charge?
No
Are items from the mini bar complimentary?
As standard, no.
Can I request to extended the visit?
Yes, but hotel will charge for any additional nights. If this is organised in advance, it should be possible to negotiate a reduced price. To organise this please email our team directly. [email protected]
Are flights and transport included?
No, flights and transport are not included. Some hotels, especially island hotels, offer airport pickups or ferry port pickups. This information is included in the hotel description on this website.
Posting my content
What do I have to do in exchange for my free two nights?
There are a range of set standards depending on your influencer type (Instagram, YouTube, Blogger, etc).
We refer the content you post as Exchange Media, the content (video, pictures, blogs) that the influencer publishes in exchange for their complimentary hotel stay.
Example Instagram influencer for a two night stay is expected to post with the correct hashtags:
8-10 Posts before checking out of the hotel
All of the influencer posts will be re-share by The Gay Passport.
What is exchange media?
Exchange media is the content (photos posted on Instagram, blogs, videos) produced by influences which are exchanged for complimentary accommodation. It’s the work influencers do to get the free accommodation, it’s their form of payment.
When should the exchange media be published?
Exchange media is agreed prior to the visit taking place as such all parties understand what is expected.
For example, an Instagram influencer staying for two nights is expected to post:
8 Posts – 8 Instagram Posts before checking out the hotel all with the campaign hashtags, tagged Instagram accounts and required location.
Bloggers / Youtubers are expected to publish their blog post or video within two weeks of check out. Bear in mind this may be in addition to posting on Instagram and or Facebook while checked into the hotel.
Do I need to ask permission to publish exchange media?
In general no, influencers can publish their material without requesting permission from the hotel or The Gay Passport.
However, during an influencer’s first visit as part of the club, it is recommended to pass a draft of your exchange media, especially YouTube or blog posts to our team at The Gay Passport.
Cancellation
Am I able to change my reservation?
We are strongly against changing reservation dates.
Once a hotel booking has been made, the room is officially booked for you. This means that the room is no longer for sale. A cancellation of that booking will usually result in the room not being sold and the hotel losing potential income. This is in addition to the time wasted by the hotel team reviewing each application.
To request a change please email – [email protected] with your booking confirmation and an explanation.
The hotel will have to reassess your booking request and make a decision if it is in their interest to permit the booking change. Remember hotel availability is a major factor in the hotel’s decision.
Am I able to cancel my hotel reservation?
We have a very strict policy against cancellations. Only make a booking request if you are committed to honouring your promise.
Once a hotel booking has been made, the room is officially booked. This means that the room is no longer for sale. A cancellation of that booking will usually result in the room not being sold and the hotel losing potential income. This is in addition to the time wasted by the hotel team reviewing each application.
If you cancel 14 days before the check-in date, then your account will have one black mark. Two black marks will result in your account losing access to the hotel reservation system.
If you cancel within 14 days of the check-in date, your accounts will have its access removed and you will no longer be able to make hotel reservations.
To cancel please email – [email protected] with your booking confirmation and an explanation for your cancellation.