How a Travel Micro-Influencer Helped a Boutique Hotel in Mumbai Boost Bookings by 45% in 60 Days
Discover how a Mumbai travel micro-influencer drove a 45% spike in sales for a boutique hotel in 60 days. Learn strategies your brand can apply today.
Can a Travel Micro-Influencer Really Drive Sales?
If you’ve ever wondered whether collaborating with a micro-influencer is worth it, here’s your answer: yes, but only if done right. In this case study, we’ll break down how a Mumbai-based boutique hotel partnered with a travel micro-influencer and achieved a 45% increase in direct bookings in just 60 days. You’ll see exactly what worked, what didn’t, and how you can replicate this success for your own brand.
The Palm Haven: A Boutique Hotel Seeking Visibility
Our client, The Palm Haven, is a boutique property tucked away in Alibaug, near Mumbai. Despite offering Instagram-worthy interiors and an eco-luxury experience, the hotel struggled to stand out in Mumbai’s competitive staycation market.
Their Challenges
📉 Low off-season occupancy rates
😕 Minimal online presence beyond OTA listings
💸 Limited marketing budget for paid ads
They needed affordable, authentic marketing to attract urban millennials seeking weekend getaways.
Sana Shah: Why They Chose a Micro-Influencer Over a Celebrity
Instead of hiring a Bollywood celebrity or macro-influencer, The Palm Haven chose @TravelWithSana, a Mumbai-based travel micro-influencer with:
Followers: 28,500 (Highly engaged audience)
Engagement Rate: 6.1% (Above industry average)
Niche: Budget-friendly weekend escapes & boutique stays
Audience: 70% Mumbai-based urban millennials aged 22–34
“We chose Sana because her audience matched our ideal guests perfectly—and her storytelling felt authentic.”
The Campaign: Building Buzz Organically
🎯 Goals
Boost direct website bookings
Increase Instagram reach & engagement for the hotel
Create high-quality UGC (user-generated content)
📅 Strategy Breakdown
✅ Step 1: On-Site Collaboration
Sana stayed at the property for 2 nights and created:
3 Instagram Reels showcasing the stay
5 Instagram Stories highlighting amenities and food
1 Carousel Post with a discount code for her followers
✅ Step 2: Exclusive Follower Perks
Followers who booked directly via Sana’s link received:
15% discount on weekday stays
A free welcome drink on arrival
✅ Step 3: Amplification
The hotel re-shared her content on their Instagram and ran a small paid campaign targeting her audience demographic.
The Results: A 45% Spike in Sales and Lasting Impact
Here’s what happened within 60 days:
📈 Key Metrics
Direct Website Bookings: +45%
Instagram Followers for Hotel: +3,200
Engagement Rate on Campaign Posts: 8.3%
Promo Code Redemptions: 172 (worth ₹6.8 lakh in revenue)
📌 Bonus Win:
The campaign generated 15 high-quality user-generated posts as guests began sharing their experiences tagging the hotel.
Lessons Learned: Why It Worked
✅ 1. Audience Alignment
Sana’s followers were exactly the hotel’s target market—urban millennials seeking quick getaways.
✅ 2. Authentic Storytelling
Her posts didn’t feel like ads. She shared real moments like morning coffee by the pool and sunset views from the balcony.
✅ 3. Measurable Offer
The unique discount code made it easy to track conversions.
How You Can Replicate This Success
📌 Steps to Follow
Identify the Right Micro-Influencer:
Look for local creators whose audience overlaps with your target customers.Offer Value:
Give their followers an exclusive incentive (discounts, freebies, early access).Track Everything:
Use UTM parameters and discount codes to measure ROI.Leverage Their Content:
Repurpose influencer content on your website, ads, and social channels.
Final Thoughts: Micro-Influencers Are the Future of ROI-Driven Marketing
This case proves that micro-influencers aren’t just affordable—they’re incredibly effective when chosen strategically. For brands in Mumbai’s travel and hospitality space, they’re a no-brainer in 2025.