Influencer-promoted travel-agent scheme criticised over fees and recruitment

Influencers and celebrities have promoted independent travel-agent work through InteleTravel and PlanNet Marketing, but seven recruits told the Guardian they struggled to make meaningful income after paying joining and monthly fees.

Participants said joining InteleTravel cost about £150, followed by £30-40 a month for access to its booking system and training. Agents receive about 70% of the commission suppliers pay on bookings; sales worth £10,000 would generate roughly £700 for the agent.

Some participants also joined PlanNet Marketing, which charges about £14 a month. Members receive roughly $4 for each new active agent they recruit, alongside referral bonuses and payments linked to the size of their team.

Recruits report limited earnings

Mark, who joined in 2021, said he made about three bookings and earned roughly £1,000 in commission over around two years while paying monthly fees. He said the PlanNet Marketing representative who recruited him suggested focusing on recruitment after travel sales produced little income.

Shelley, a nurse from Suffolk, estimated that her total profit over about two years was £500-1,000. She also spent money on business cards, flyers and a website, and said she had been led to believe the work could become a full-time job.

PlanNet Marketing’s latest figures show average annual earnings of about $40 across its general base of representatives. Former participant Claire said she recruited about 150 people and earned around $800 a month, despite holding a rank that PlanNet Marketing says guarantees a minimum monthly income of $1,000.

Companies reject profit guarantees

InteleTravel said that, as with any self-employed business, continuous profit and success cannot be guaranteed. It said joining fees cover licensing, insurance, mandatory training and access to its booking system.

The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, with commissions earned during that period deducted from the refund. It also offers a first-year profit guarantee, subject to conditions including maintaining adviser status, creating a website and completing at least one hotel booking each quarter.

PlanNet Marketing did not comment on whether its model is multi-level marketing. InteleTravel denies that it is and says joining PlanNet Marketing for recruitment is an individual choice.

Yasmin Hadlow and Vicky Pattison, who promoted the opportunity on social media, did not respond to requests for comment. InteleTravel said it has thousands of successful advisers who use its resources to build their careers.