I am looking for a salaried position; will the set up with Travel Counsellors suit me?
Travel Counsellors are franchisees and not employees, which means that their earnings are based on sales rather than a fixed salary. Our business model is designed for entrepreneurs who are looking for the opportunity of running their own Travel Agency business under license from Travel Counsellors rather than being employees.
Can I become a Travel Counsellor and still work in my current role?
Although you are working from home this is a full time commitment and requires dedication to develop your businesses foundation and move it from strength to strength.
Can I become a Travel Counsellor and work out of a different country which Travel Counsellors does not operate in?
No, all Travel Counsellors need to be residing in one of the following operating countries, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Ireland, The Netherlands, Belgium, South Africa and Australia.
Is there anything that I can offer my customers as a Travel Counsellor which sets me apart?
Yes, Travel Counsellors is the only home-based travel agency business in the UAE that enables you to revolve your service around your customers. As a franchisee, you have complete control over your earnings because they are commission based with no upper limit. As a Travel Counsellor, we manage the majority of your administration and all of the regulatory affairs on your behalf so you can focus on doing what you love, for you and your customers. Travel Counsellors in the UAE is also backed by dnata World Travel, part of the Emirates Group giving you and your customers that extra peace of mind.
Am I able to choose my own working hours?
Yes, it’s your business and therefore you are free to choose the hours that suit you. Becoming a successful Travel Counsellor requires the same commitment and hard work as any business and you should not underestimate the effort required to achieve your personal goals.
I’m concerned that I may feel isolated. Is there anything to help with that?
Yes, we have a range of systems in place to support you. There’s our TCTV broadcasts, conferences, webcams and message boards along with training days and monthly TC get-togethers throughout the year. We encourage camaraderie amongst our agents and head office staff, so that everyone feels part of one family.
What experience do I need?
We offer different routes of entry whether you have previous experience as a Retail Travel Agent or a passion for travel and looking for your first opportunity within this exciting industry.
Do you provide leads?
No, however you will have your own personalised webpage and be supported by our Business Development Coach, who will help you to establish and grow your client network and be as successful as you can be.
Do I get ideas on how to market my business?
Yes, you will have regular meetings with your Business Development Coach, who will share ideas on how to get the most out of the array of marketing tools available to you, including our Contact Centre, Social Media and PR.
Is there out of hours support?
In addition to the unparalleled support provided by our team at head office, there are also staff on standby out of hours to assist if needed.
What happens when I go on holiday?
You will operate a buddy system so another Travel Counsellor will manage your business whilst you are away allowing you the time to enjoy your holiday safe in the knowledge your customers are being looked after.
How efficient is your financial and admin support?
We have a great team based locally in Dubai along with our global Head Office in Manchester managing your finance and administration with the highest levels of efficiency and professionalism.
I've always enjoyed going on educational trips, will I still have that opportunity?
Yes, there will be opportunities to participate in educational trips. Some of these will require a contribution in terms of the travel costs and some will be fully covered. We believe first-hand experience of a destination is vital and we encourage all our Travel Counsellors to broaden their knowledge by taking advantage of the educationals that become available.
Can I employ my own staff?
No, at this stage the Dubai Ministry of Labour does not permit this however you can always partner with another Travel Counsellor to help you during busy periods or with high volume accounts.
Is there an IATA licence?
Yes, our joint venture partner, dnata World Travel, handles all ticketing on our behalf. Travel Counsellors have access to dnata's complete range of airfares across all airlines.
Is there a minimum sales target?
All our Travel Counsellors have to maintain a minimum of AED60,000 in sales per month after their first full year of joining. This is subject to change and should be verified prior to signing our agreement.
How do I get paid and what is the commission structure?
As a Travel Counsellors you will earn 60% commission of all the profit in each booking. This will be paid directly into your UAE bank account on a monthly basis.
How long does it take to get set up?
It normally takes 2 to 4 weeks to get set up prior to induction. Please contact recruitment on 04 703 6803 for the latest induction dates.
What does it cost to become a Travel Counsellor?
If you are currently working in the Dubai market as a retail travel agent then the cost to join us is AED3, 000 +VAT.
If you have previous retail travel agency experience for 2 years or more and are joining via our Return To Travel programme then the cost to join us is AED8, 000+VAT which covers everything you need to set up your business including the right to use the Travel Counsellors trademark.
If you are joining us through our Travel Trade programme, then the cost is AED8,000+VAT.
Should travel be a passion but you have no practical travel sales experience and you enter through our Academy programme, then the cost to join us is AED23, 000+VAT, which covers everything you need to set up your business including our training and induction programme.
Additionally, there is a monthly management fee of AED285+VAT and the cost of your UAE residency visa/ work permit.
To confirm which route to entry you will be considered for, please email your CV to
[email protected]
If I am sponsored by my partner, can I remain on their visa and be provided with a work permit?
For all Travel Counsellors wishing to remain on their partner’s sponsorship we will facilitate a renewable 12-month work permit. The cost of this is currently AED2,063+VAT per year. Work permit costs are subject to change, please clarify these at time of joining.
Will you provide salary certificates and NOCs?
Yes, we can issue no objection certificates required by any Dubai Licensing authorities or for travel purposes. Salary certificates can also be provided and are based commission paid over a minimum of 3 months.
Am I eligible for any Emirates Group benefits or discounts?
No. Travel Counsellors are not employees of the dnata World Travel and therefore Emirates Group benefits or discounts do not apply.
How do I get started?
If running your own travel business in the UAE is of interest to you, please do get in touch. You can call us on 04 703 6803 or why not visit our events page and register to come along to our next discovery presentation where we can demonstrate who we are and how you can utilise this platform to launch your own business here in the UAE.
