Intele Travel and Tours trading as InteleTravel, the world’s oldest and largest host travel agency with a growing network of more than 180,000 independent travel advisors worldwide, has launched their UAE operation as part of a landmark expansion for the company.
InteleTravel has launched with contracted 34 preferred partners in the UAE, including cruise, tour operators, live events and attractions, which will be supported by a back office of over 3 million products such as accommodation, air and ancillary products to facilitate dynamic packaging.

The UAE office will be headquartered in Dubai and managed by the UK team, headed by UK and Ireland Managing Director, Tricia Handley-Hughes. InteleTravel have secured legal permits and UAE trading license and will provide a dedicated customer service team to support advisors on ground as part of InteleTravel’s commitment to maintaining the highest possible industry standards. A new InteleTravel UAE website has been unveiled incorporating the latest AI technology to deliver advanced tools for advisors to help streamline administration processes.

Identifying an opportunity in the UAE

With the UAE being home to a significant number of British expats, including a large group of relocated InteleTravel agents, the launch will provide the opportunity for ambitious and passionate travel advisors in the region to build their own travel businesses under the guidance of the world’s largest and most established host agency. The company has set its initial sights on recruiting 1,000 advisors, with a strong opportunity for growth beyond that.

InteleTravel will introduce a suite of training tools to support the education and growth of their UAE based advisors, including mandatory travel training to help understand the regulatory framework around selling in the UAE. This is supported by a 90-day onboarding programme to provide advisors with all of the tools and knowledge to get their travel business started. Replicating the success of the UK Partner Engagement Programme, partners will engage in a wide variety of virtual and live events.

Speaking ahead of the launch, InteleTravel Co-Founder and CEO James Ferrara said: “The UAE has established itself as one of the world’s most important travel hubs, connecting Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia through its world-class infrastructure. This is an exciting environment to launch and grow InteleTravel’s global footprint, building on our operations in the UK, Ireland, US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Launching in the region made perfect sense.

“For UK expats, it’s an especially attractive place to start a career as a travel advisor because of its international population, strong appetite for travel, and position at the crossroads of global tourism.”

Tricia Handley-Hughes added: “The familiarity of a large British community and English-speaking population, combined with access to fast-growing travel markets across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa, makes the UAE offering incredibly strong.

“This announcement allows us time to settle in, train and educate advisors as well as form close relationships with our new partners ahead of an official launch event in September.”

Supporting the rebound and long-term growth of the UAE travel industry

Acknowledging the difficulties faced by the UAE in recent months as a result of tension in the Middle East region, Tricia believes there is an opportunity to show resilience and optimism in supporting the rebound for business and travel: “The UAE’s outbound travel market has historically proven to be remarkably resilient. The relaxation of travel to the region is already showing encouraging signs of renewed confidence for international travel for leisure, family visits and special experiences.

“Of course, there have been significant challenges this year, but we believe now is the time to breathe optimism and opportunity back into the UAE and show our support to the local community. The overall outlook remains positive, with travel demand expected to strengthen. Our launch is part of a long-term growth strategy which will open up unprecedented opportunities for travel advisors in the UAE to build incredible careers and develop as entrepreneurs.”

For more information about InteleTravel in the UAE visit: www.InteleTravel.ae