A long time coming
This one has been a while in the making, and it's finally here: InteleTravel, the world's oldest and largest host travel agency with more than 180,000 independent advisors across the UK, US, Ireland, and the Caribbean, has officially launched its UAE operation, headquartered in Dubai. This isn't a soft launch or a rumour circulating in a Facebook group. InteleTravel has secured legal permits and a UAE trading licence, set up a dedicated local customer service team on the ground, and contracted 34 preferred supplier partners spanning cruise lines, tour operators, hotels, live events, and attractions, backed by access to over 3 million bookable products.
Getting here took over a year of groundwork, led by InteleTravel's UK and Ireland Managing Director Tricia Handley-Hughes, who built the UK arm into one of the company's largest markets. Setting up properly in a brand new country, the right way, with the right permits and the right people on the ground, isn't something that happens overnight. It's exactly why this feels like such a big deal.
Why Dubai is such an exciting place to build this
Dubai sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and handles more international passenger traffic than almost anywhere else on earth. It's a genuine global travel hub, home to an exceptionally high concentration of outbound travellers who already have a taste for premium and luxury travel experiences. Think weekend trips to the Maldives, safari add-ons, ski season in the Alps, and long-haul luxury that's simply part of everyday life for a lot of people living there.
For independent travel advisors, that's an extraordinary base to build from. Clients aren't being introduced to the idea of travel, they're already booking it regularly; the opportunity is in becoming the trusted person who makes it effortless, whether that's a five-star escape, a milestone celebration, or a spontaneous long weekend away.
The timing is exciting too. InteleTravel is entering the UAE at a moment when the region's travel infrastructure is expanding rapidly, and when the host agency model is still relatively new there. Being early, inside an established and properly regulated framework, is a genuine advantage for anyone who gets in now.
What this means
Put simply: there's now a legitimate, properly licensed route for people in the UAE to build a flexible income around travel, booking real trips for real clients in one of the most travel-obsessed cities in the world. It's a genuinely exciting moment, and we can't wait to see what our UAE team builds.
Curious what this could look like for you?
A real conversation with a real person on the team. No pressure, just an honest look at the opportunity.
Get Started