By Samantha Reid, Hospitality Contributor

As the hospitality industry evolves in a digital-first world, visual storytelling has emerged as an important marketing tool for hotels seeking to differentiate their brand and connect with experience-driven travelers. One creative leading this shift is Olha Kotova, a California-based drone content creator whose emotional, cinematic approach is influencing the way hotels present themselves online.

We sat down with Olha to discuss how she discovered the power of drone storytelling, the business model behind her hotel collaborations, and why content today must do more than just look good — it has to make people feel.

Olha, how did you first realize that drone content could be powerful in the hotel industry?

Olha:  It actually started very simply. In 2023, I offered to create a drone video for a boutique hotel in exchange for a two-night stay. I had no idea that shoot would spark an entirely new direction for my work. What surprised me most was how much emotion a single aerial shot could evoke — you weren’t just seeing the hotel, you were feeling the location, the stillness, the light. That’s when I realized this format could have significant marketing potential, especially in hospitality.

You’ve now worked with several hotels, including brands like Hyatt. How do those collaborations typically come about?

Olha: I usually pitch hotels directly. I research their brand, audience, and current visuals, then suggest a content package tailored to their goals. I spend 2–3 days on-site filming drone footage, room tours, Reels, Instagram stories — the full experience. The result is a set of strategic assets they can use across social media, websites, email campaigns, and booking platforms. The content isn’t just pretty — it’s designed to support their marketing funnel effectively.

What do you think makes drone storytelling so effective in hotel marketing?

Olha: It creates context. Travelers want to know where they’re going — what the beach looks like, the surrounding nature, the vibe at sunset. Drones can capture that full experience in a way handheld cameras often can’t. When done well, drone content doesn’t just show a place — it immerses you in it. That emotional preview can be a strong factor in encouraging someone to consider booking.

You’ve also created a resource to help other creators follow in your footsteps. Can you tell us about your Hotel Collaboration Guide?

Olha: Absolutely. I was getting so many questions from aspiring creators asking how to get started with hotels. I realized there wasn’t a clear path. So I created the Hotel Collaboration Guide, which includes pitch templates, planning checklists, content strategy outlines — everything I wish I had when I started. I also share my own insights on what hotels expect, how to structure deliverables, and how to balance creativity with professionalism.

What are some key things creators often overlook when working with hotels?

Olha: One of the biggest is alignment. It’s not just about making a beautiful video — it’s about making something that fits the hotel’s brand and business goals. Timeliness, consistency, emotional tone — these matter. Also, hotels need assets that can work across multiple platforms, from social media to email to booking engines. A strong content strategy anticipates that and delivers accordingly.

Your work often blends artistry with strategy. How do you approach each project creatively?

Olha: Before I film anything, I build a visual concept. What’s the mood? What’s the feeling we want guests to have? Then I create a narrative using light, music, and flow. It might be the quiet of morning light through a window, or the warm tones of sunset by the pool. I want people to feel like they’re already there. That emotion is what helps drive engagement and bookings.

Do you think drone storytelling is accessible for new creators?

Olha: Definitely. You don’t need the most expensive gear — you need a vision and a process. That’s what I try to provide in my guide. Many creators have talent, but they get stuck in how to pitch or deliver. I share my own workflow to help others translate creativity into actual client work.

You also advocate for ethical content creation. Why is that important to you?

Olha: Because we’re not just creating visuals — we’re shaping expectations. Hotels trust us to represent them honestly, and guests rely on that content to make real decisions. I always encourage transparency — about how footage is captured, how collaborations are structured, and how realistic the representations are. That kind of integrity helps build stronger, long-term partnerships.

What platforms do you typically create content for, and how do you ensure flexibility across formats?

Olha: Most of my clients use Instagram and YouTube, but they also want content for websites, email campaigns, and booking sites. I edit with that in mind — shooting both horizontal and vertical formats, delivering multiple versions, and making sure everything is cohesive. The goal is to create a content package that can live everywhere and remain visually consistent.

What’s next for you?

Olha: I’m expanding into helping more creators enter this space with confidence. I want to continue exploring how drone storytelling can evolve, maybe even in more immersive or interactive formats. And, of course, I want to keep helping hotels tell better stories — not just from the ground, but from the sky.