More than 200 Irish agents have joined InteleTravel after the US homeworking firm expanded into the Republic of Ireland.
InteleTravel has launched an Irish website, negotiated partner arrangements in Euros, and introduced new mandatory training. The training covers Ireland’s Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act, the Tour Operator Payment Protection System and the Data Protection Commission.
Elsewhere, a dedicated events programme got under way with a welcome event at Dublin airport, as well as partner webinars, with a full day of Dream Maker training scheduled for 1 April. InteleTravel said the launch was the culmination of "months of hard work" by its support teams in the UK and around the world.
It comes after the business staged its 2022 conference in Belfast last October. InteleTravel said new agent members had been enticed by the group’s low start-up cost and monthly subscription. The business currently operates in the UK, US, Mexico and the Caribbean, and has plans to expand into Europe, Canada and other territories.
It claims to have made a strong start to 2023, reporting January and February bookings up 41% and 35% year-on-year respectively, and average booking values up 24%.
"It’s taken a lot of planning but we didn’t want to launch until we had everything in place," said InteleTravel UK director Tricia Handley-Hughes. "We now have a great opportunity to encourage this new pipeline of talent into the business and nurture them from the start using our outstanding training programme.
"New registrations have been much higher than expected, primarily because of our business model, and we are delighted to welcome so many new members. Our partners are excited at the prospect of potential new revenue streams that will help boost their Ireland business."
InteleTravel hosted more than 50 agents and suppliers at a launch event in Dublin, including Royal Caribbean, Silversea and Do Something Different, where they were joined by Minnie Mouse.
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