Homeworking agency InteleTravel has launched in Ireland, with a dedicated website at inteletravel.com.co for the Irish market.
More than 200 Irish agents have signed up, thanks to “months of hard work” by the UK and global support teams.
Partner contracts have been negotiated to allow trading in euros and mandatory training is relevant to requirements in Ireland.
An events programme has begun, with an ‘Ireland Agent Welcome’ held at Dublin airport, partner webinars, and a full day of Dream Maker training planned for April 1.
The training covers the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act, Tour Operator Payment Protection System (TOPPS), and Data Protection Commission which applies to GDPR in Ireland.
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InteleTravel said interest in its homeworking model has been increasing in Ireland since the company held its 2022 conference in Belfast last October.
It said the new agents have been attracted “primarily by the ease and value of the business model, which offers a low barrier to entry with a minimal initial cost and small monthly subscription, aimed at bringing a new sales pipeline into the industry”.
InteleTravel also operates in the UK, US, Mexico and throughout the Caribbean and has plans to expand further into Europe, Canada and beyond.
Tricia Handley-Hughes, InteleTravel UK director, said: “It’s taken a lot of planning but we didn’t want to launch until we had everything in place.
“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 has reported a strong start to 2023 in the UK, with bookings up 41% in January and 35% in February, compared with same period last year, and average booking values up 24%.
Founded more than 31 years ago in the US, the company launched in the UK five years ago.
Picture of Dublin and Ireland by Dmitrijs Kaminskis/Shutterstock