Travel Counsellors versus MLM – the key differences you need to know

Are you looking to launch your own travel business but feel uncertain about the risks of MLM schemes? You're not alone—many people face this decision. Understanding the differences between genuine travel franchises like Travel Counsellors and MLM companies will help you make an informed choice.

At Travel Counsellors, we offer something entirely unique. We’re not just another name in the travel industry—our approach has been changing lives and creating success stories in the UAE since 2012, globally since 1994. Here’s what sets us apart from MLM travel companies and pyramid schemes.

Why choose Travel Counsellors

Become a business owner, not a recruiter

Unlike MLM schemes that heavily rely on recruitment over customer service, Travel Counsellors empowers you to focus on building a credible, self-sustaining travel business.

With us, you won’t need to recruit or train a team. Instead, your role centres on doing what you love—creating unforgettable travel experiences for customers. From tailored luxury getaways to honeymoons and group adventures, your priority is your business and your customers’ satisfaction.

Professional training from day one

One of the biggest issues with MLMs is subpar training, often delivered by an “upline” with no formal travel experience. This can leave new joiners unequipped to handle the complexities of the travel industry.

When you join Travel Counsellors, you’ll start your business with a 3-week induction, designed and delivered by experts. Whether you’re a seasoned travel professional or completely new to the industry, our training is tailored to your experience level.

But we don’t stop there. You'll also have access to:

• Six months of ongoing mentoring and self-guided learning.
• Year-round training programmes covering business development, specialised products, and supplier workshops.
• Dedicated support every step of the way, ensuring you have the skills to deliver exceptional service.

Use social media to build your brand - not recruit

If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve likely seen MLM recruiters sliding into DMs with messages like, “You’d be perfect for our travel business!” This constant focus on soliciting others often takes precedence over selling holidays or building a reputable travel business.

At Travel Counsellors, it’s never about recruitment. Instead, social media becomes an invaluable tool to showcase your brand, share your services, and connect with genuine customers who are looking for memorable travel experiences.

Prioritise customers over personal benefits

MLM companies often lure people with promises of discounted personal travel or commissions on their own bookings. But that’s not what we’re about.

At Travel Counsellors, every decision we make revolves around the client. From creating custom, luxury travel packages to leveraging our extensive supplier network for unbeatable options, your focus is delivering exceptional value to your customers—not booking your next holiday.

Additionally, you and your customers will benefit from:

• 24/7 support: Our dedicated duty office provides round-the-clock assistance, so you can tackle emergencies like cancelled flights with confidence.
• Unrivalled inventory: Tap into an extensive range of travel products and destinations thanks to our strong supplier relationships.

A full-time business, not a side hustle

MLMs often position themselves as side hustles that can fit into a few hours a week. Unfortunately, the lack of focus often equates to low earnings and little success.

As a Travel Counsellor, your franchise is a full-time career—though you’ll enjoy the flexibility to set your hours around your life and customers. It’s a serious business opportunity grounded in uncapped earning potential. Our commission-based model means the harder you work, the greater the rewards, and there are never any external sales targets or pressure.

We’re selective about who joins our community because we’re committed to maintaining a network of enthusiastic, skilled travel entrepreneurs ready to deliver excellence every day.

What our Travel Counsellors say

Nicky Younger, joined in September 2023

“Recently, I’ve seen a lot of “side hustle” travel advisor reels popping up, so I wanted to explain the difference.

Travel Counsellors UAE isn’t a recruitment-based business or network marketing model. We don’t spend time signing people up or promoting side hustles. We spend our days doing one thing - providing clients with a premium, personalised travel service!

We’ve been around for 31 years, with a global community of full-time professionals who live and breathe travel. Many of my colleagues have decades of experience, and together we share knowledge, connections, and trusted supplier relationships built over time.

We may not be “new and shiny,” and you won’t often see us living it up on yachts (although we live in Dubai so you might on occasion 😂 and why not?) We’re usually at our desks, making the magic happen for our clients behind the scenes.

I want to be clear; I’m not judging anyone who does things differently. But I do think it’s important for customers to be informed, so they can choose the right travel advisor for them.”

Transform your passion for travel into a successful business

Whether you dream of creating bespoke holidays for others or already have years of experience in the travel industry, Travel Counsellors can help you grow a thriving business.

Backed by a reliable, award-winning global company with decades of experience, you’ll join a community that truly cares about your success—and your customers’ satisfaction.

Want to learn more? Meet us at one of our relaxed Discovery Events to learn more about Travel Counsellors.