An Australian influencer has faced criticism after she shared a video attempting to secure discounted stays at high-end Bali resorts in return for promoting them on social media.
During her visit to Canggu, a resort village on Bali’s southern coast, Sofia Marroquin recorded and uploaded a video last month showcasing her attempts.
‘I have three hours to see if I can find a place to sleep tonight in Bali,’ she said in the TikTok video.
‘Apparently, exchanging a stay for content is illegal in Bali, so my plan is to request a significant discount, pay a bit, and hopefully secure a deal that way,’ she explained.
The staff at both locations informed the influencer that they could not authorize marketing decisions but offered to connect her with the relevant personnel.
The video provided a rare insight into the awkwardness of travel content creation, with viewers accusing the influencer of acting with entitlement.
‘They’re running a business, not a charity. Most of us, including me, do cute TikToks of places we stay in for free,’ one said.
One person commented, ‘Not sure why you expect free lodging,’ to which the influencer responded, ‘You clearly don’t understand the effort that goes into creating content.’
Sofia Marroquin (pictured) documented her attempts to secure discounted Bali accommodation in a video posted to social media last month
‘OMG you’re like one of the people that would beg everyone for a dollar standing in the school tuck shop line,’ another viewer wrote.
When a receptionist at the first hotel offered to give her the contact details for the marketing team, Ms Marroquin objected.
‘OK, every single time I contact marketing teams, they take too long to answer because I was hoping to get one for tonight,’ she replied.
Eventually, the receptionist agreed to contact the correct manager and offered Ms Marroquin a welcome drink, inviting her to look around the hotel.
Later that night, Ms. Marroquin tried her luck at a luxury hostel, booking a $15 room before requesting a private suite in exchange for a video.
The staff member answered they already had a content creator whom they had engaged on a volunteer basis.
‘What about other people? Because I’ve been making travel videos and staying at hotels consistently in Greece,’ Ms Marroquin replied.
‘I’ve just come from Greece now. When you get outreach on my TikTok people are like “Oh, I love this hotel, I’m going to save this for…” you know what I mean? It’s different, it’s different.’
The influencer claimed her social media work allowed her to travel through Greece
Other viewers praised Ms Marroquin’s confidence, but suggested she should grow her following before attempting to strike deals on the spot.
‘LOVE your confidence and you are so well spoken! My only suggestion would get your TikTok up!’ one said.
‘Show them how many followers and likes you have, pin a few of your best performing videos (obviously similar content preferable). If they can see your reach they may be more willing off the bat.’
She is one of countless influencers who fund their luxury international travel in exchange for often-glowing posts reviewing their stays.
Tourism Australia came under fire two years ago after it was revealed the agency spent up to $90,000 in taxpayer dollars to pay three TikTok creators to visit the country.
It has argued the move could give Australia good exposure and encourage more travellers to make the journey on their own dime.
But many taxpayers take issue with the arrangements, claiming the results are difficult to judge and that workers shouldn’t be expected to foot the bill for well-heeled travellers.
Daily Mail contacted Ms Marroquin for comment.
