Katie Price, reality TV star and former glamour model said she is ‘simply helping people become independent travel agents’ after being slammed by a travel CEO for an InteleTravel recruitment ad.
Lisa Henning, CEO of Inspire, said the advert, which appeared on Katie Price’s Instagram account, Katie Price Travels, was ‘a step too far’ and a ‘slap in the face for travel agents.’
The advert told Katie’s followers they could ‘make money from travel around your other commitments’.
Katie has teamed up with another former glamour model and TV personality Danielle Lloyd, who joined InteleTravel several years ago, to recruit agents for InteleTravel under the brand Travel Smarter Group.
Katie posted the advert for an agent recruitment session with her and Danielle on Thursday evening.
The ad, which featured a photo of the two women, said: “Join Katie Price and Danielle Lloyd. Hear how you can earn money from travel around your other commitments.
“Work flexibly. Travel more. Earn extra income.”
Lisa said it made a ‘mockery’ of the travel industry.
“I very rarely comment publicly on things like this, but seeing this today is a step too far,” wrote Lisa in her own Facebook post.
“For the past 12 days, I have worked non-stop, 24/7, supporting our clients and our agents through the disruption affecting Dubai and other destinations.
“I’ve watched our teams go above and beyond to get people home safely. I’ve seen agents working ridiculous hours for their customers, losing the commission they had earned because trips had to be cancelled or rearranged, and still showing up because that’s what real travel professionals do.
“I’ve seen agents in tears because they care so much about their clients and are genuinely worried about what’s happening. I have spoken to clients who have been in tears… desperate to get home.
“So, to then see promotions suggesting that you can simply ‘earn money from travel’ with a glossy campaign featuring Katie Price and Danielle Lloyd – positioning the role of a travel agent as something you do casually around other commitments – honestly feels like a huge mockery of our industry.”
Lisa said selling travel isn’t a ‘side hustle’ or ‘a gimmick’ or ‘easy money while you travel’.
“Being a travel professional means responsibility,” she added. “It means being there at 2am when a flight is cancelled, when a destination shuts down, or when clients need help urgently. It means navigating crises and protecting the people who trust you with their holidays.
“After the last 12 days that our industry has endured, seeing this kind of messaging feels like a real slap in the face to the thousands of dedicated agents who work tirelessly behind the scenes every single day.
“Travel agents are not influencers.
“They are problem solvers, crisis managers and trusted professionals – and this industry deserves far more respect than being turned into a marketing gimmick.
“Well done and thank you to all of those who continue to give our industry a good name by doing this job ‘properly.’
“Always book with a ‘real travel agent’ – we will take care of you and ensure we are there to support when needed and ensure you have the best holidays.”
Lisa’s post clearly hit a nerve in the travel industry, garnering scores of ‘likes’ and dozens of comments from agents who praised her for speaking out. So far, it has been shared more than 80 times.
One agent said: “I wouldn’t let them book a taxi.” Alluding to Katie and Danielle’s past as glamour models, another wrote: “Imagine this pair in a crisis. Sorry, I can’t help you at the minute, I’m just working on my OnlyFans,” referring to the social media platform known for hosting adult content.
Asked to respond to Lisa’s criticism, Katie’s PA said: “Katie has never stated that she personally books travel. She is simply sharing this platform with others to help people become independent travel agents and create an additional income – whether that be part-time or full-time.
“All agents within the community receive full training and are committed to supporting their clients. Many people join this business to build better financial opportunities for themselves and their families, and they work incredibly hard to do so.
“It’s disappointing when people try to undermine that effort. Like any travel professional, agents can experience situations such as airline cancellations or changes, which are unfortunately outside of their control.”
She went on to say that ‘Katie was simply advertising an opportunity call.’
“Danielle Lloyd has been involved in this business for almost six years, and during that time, she has helped thousands of individuals start earning through the travel industry.
“She herself is very knowledgeable and experienced,” she added.
In reply to a text, The Travel Smarter Group said it had recruited ‘over 1,000’ agents so far.
“Many of those people have gone on to build successful businesses of their own and have gained a huge amount of knowledge and experience along the way,” added Katie’s PA.
“It’s important to remember that the people involved in this business are real individuals with real livelihoods. When inaccurate stories or false accusations are written, it doesn’t just affect one person – it can impact the many people who have worked hard to build their businesses.
“We will always continue to support the team, focus on helping people grow, and provide opportunities for others who want to create income through travel.”
