Katie Price and Danielle Lloyd’s ‘side-hustle’ advertising is a slap in the face

I very rarely comment publicly on things like adverts being posted about agent recruitment. But seeing Katie Price advertising an event to attract part-time agents this week was a step too far.

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.

More: Trade backlash over Katie Price ‘part-time agent’ recruitment promotion

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.

This isn’t a side hustle. This isn’t a gimmick. And it certainly isn’t “easy money while you travel”.

Being a travel professional means responsibility. 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 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. Rant over.