Katie Price Forced to Close Travel Venture Amid Industry Outcry
Former glamour model Katie Price has reportedly shut down her latest business enterprise, a travel agency, merely weeks after its highly publicised launch. The 47-year-old celebrity, who had recently inaugurated the venture alongside a dedicated Instagram page, decided to cease operations following significant backlash from travel industry professionals.
Recruitment Ad Sparks Controversy
The controversy ignited when Katie Price posted an advertisement on Instagram, in collaboration with her friend and fellow television personality Danielle Lloyd. The ad aimed to recruit individuals to join the travel agency InteleTravel under the brand Travel Smarter Group. It featured the duo with a caption promoting flexible work opportunities, extra income, and the ability to travel more, positioning the role as something manageable around other commitments.
Travel Executives Voice Strong Criticism
Lisa Henning, chief executive of Inspire Europe, publicly condemned the advertisement, describing it as a huge mockery of our industry. In a statement reported by Travel Weekly, she expressed frustration, highlighting the intense efforts of travel agents during recent disruptions, such as those affecting Dubai. Henning emphasised that the profession involves serious, round-the-clock work to support clients, often under stressful conditions, and should not be portrayed as a casual side hustle.
She elaborated on the emotional toll agents face, including tears over client concerns and lost commissions due to cancellations, arguing that the glossy campaign trivialised the dedication required in the travel sector.
Response from Katie Price's Team
In response to the criticism, Katie Price's personal assistant defended the initiative, stating that Price was simply sharing this platform with others to help people become independent travel agents. The assistant clarified that Price never claimed to personally book travel and stressed that all agents receive full training and work hard to build their businesses. The statement aimed to counter what was perceived as inaccurate stories impacting livelihoods.
Additional Industry Reactions
Francesca Barone, owner of Elite Cruises, added her perspective, noting that while she had nothing against the women personally, she believed pop-up travel agents shouldn't be taken seriously. This sentiment echoed broader concerns within the industry about the perception of travel agency work as a lightweight or part-time endeavour.
The swift closure of Katie Price's travel business underscores the challenges celebrities face when entering professional sectors, particularly those with established standards and rigorous demands. The episode highlights ongoing tensions between traditional industry practices and modern, influencer-driven marketing approaches.
