Brief
Luxury hotels and shops ban influencer photoshoots amid crowding concerns
From Hotel du Cap‑Eden‑Roc in Antibes to a Cheshire farm shop, venues are tightening rules on social‑media shoots.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Several high‑profile venues are introducing bans or restrictions on influencer‑led photoshoots, citing overcrowding, privacy concerns and disruption to regular guests, the Guardian reported on Oct 19.
What happened
The five‑star Hotel du Cap‑Eden‑Roc in Antibes, France, now requires prior permission for any photoshoot on its premises. The policy follows incidents where guests booked lunch tables only to use the space for changing outfits and filming content. In the United Kingdom, the Hollies farm shop in Cheshire has prohibited photography and filming between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., a move prompted by the location’s popularity after Love Island star Molly‑Mae Hague posted images there.
What the reports add
London restaurateur Jeremy King, who runs Simpson’s in the Strand and the Park, wrote in the Evening Standard earlier this year that he was “fed up with influencers over‑running my restaurant”. In the United States, a shop on Nantucket, Massachusetts, displayed a sign reading “no influencers”, while the town of Pomfret, Vermont, barred influencer photos of autumn foliage. In Fujikawaguchiko, Japan, a screen near a convenience store now blocks pictures of Mount Fuji.
What was said
Hotel du Cap‑Eden‑Roc manager Sophie Volant told Travel Weekly, “As much as [guests] appreciate having people in the restaurants and in the bars, they also want their summer home to remain private. We had to think about a solution.” Anna Fedou, chief marketing officer of the Beaumier hotel group, said, “We’re in the business of hospitality, not running photo studios,” adding that the group works with influencers selectively and remains mindful of the primary purpose of its hotels.
How it came about
The trend follows a broader backlash against influencer‑driven crowds that can impede ordinary customers. Earlier this month, Felo News highlighted a review of UK hotel security that noted unauthorised room entries, underscoring growing concerns about guest safety and privacy in hospitality venues.
Key facts
- Hotel du Cap‑Eden‑Roc now requires prior permission for photoshoots. (theguardian.com)
- The Hollies farm shop in Cheshire bans photography between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (theguardian.com)
- Jeremy King publicly complained about influencer crowds in his London restaurant. (theguardian.com)
- Sophie Volant said privacy for guests was a key reason for the new hotel rule. (theguardian.com)
- Anna Fedou emphasized that hospitality is not a photo studio. (theguardian.com)
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “‘No influencers’: the hotels, restaurants and beauty spots restricting photoshoots”
