Travel Agency License in Dubai

Dubai, the heart of the UAE has built a worldwide reputation for itself as a tourist spot. Millions of foreign expats choose ‘Dubai’ as their favorite holiday spot, which makes it the 6^th most visited city in the world. According to a recent report, in 2017-2018, the count of international visitors reached a count of 15.8 million tourists, which lifted the tourism industry at its peak. Moreover, it gave rise to the hospitality sector as well.

The presence of magnificent coast, architectural monuments, modern infrastructure makes it one of the preferable holiday destinations. The region also embraces a favorable climate for businesspersons and entrepreneurs that drives them to set up a business in Dubai. Being as one of the most profitable industries in the world, the tourism industry also paves out a way for entrepreneurs as well as established businesspersons to establish their tourism business. To proceed the same, a travel agency license needs to be obtained.

Tourism Industry in the UAE

When it comes to Dubai tourists, the population comes from different sources, which makes the nation stands as a multi-cultural hub expanding ways for the tourism industry to flourish. The upcoming Expo 2020 is expecting a count of 25million visitors worldwide. Have a look at the below table to get a closer look at the preference.

Travel License in the UAE

The government of the Emirates has been initiating numerous steps to boost the tourism industry. There are a different set of locations like Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore, that will help the businessperson to choose the best according to the business needs. Obtaining a travel license is a compulsion that is expected from each of the travel business prevailing in the nation. Once the license is obtained, the business entity can render the following services to its clients:

• Selling tickets
• Issuing travel insurance
• Selling tourist packages
• Providing visa assistance
• Customized travel packages
• Accommodation options

How to Obtain a Travel Agency License in Dubai?

To obtain a travel license, the following steps are to be followed accordingly.

1.Get a Clear Understanding of Different Licenses Issued

Before you plan to obtain a travel agency license, you should be aware that the Government Authority in the UAE issue three types of travel licenses namely,

Inbound Tour Operator

Here, the travel agent deals with incentive tours for foreigners who are travelling to attend any conference or seminar. Once you obtain this license, you will be dealing with the visa, transport and residency process for a complete tour.

Outbound Tour Operator

If you are planning to sell tourist programs abroad by collaborating with travel agents, then you need to apply for an outbound tour operator license.

Travel Agent

If you wish to set up a travel business where you will be dealing with selling tickets, seat reservations, hotel booking, car rental services, then you can opt for a travel agent license.

2.Collect the Essential Documents

In the next move, you need to collect the essential documents that need to be submitted to the authorities. The list of the essential documents includes:

• The filled application provided by the authorities
• Copy of valid passports of the applicants
• Certificate of professional qualification
• Clean criminal record of the applicant
• A detailed report on the technical feasibility of the project
• No objection letter issued by Civil Aviation Authority

3.Focus on the Special Conditions

The travel agency company incorporation process in Dubai involves certain special conditions that need to be focused.

• The company must be set up as an LLC company where 51% of company shares are to be held by a local sponsor, whereas the remaining 49% is to be held by the foreign investor
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience certificate is required
• An approval from the Department of Civil Aviation is required
• When it comes to the inbound operator, an irrevocable bank guarantee       needs to be issued in the name of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
• For an outbound operator, Dh 2,00,000 bank irrevocable bank guarantee needs to be issued in the name of DTCM, by any Dubai Bank
• In case of a travel agent, the cost comes to Dh 1,00,000

4.Submit the Application and the Documents

At the final step, all the essential documents are to be submitted to the government authorities by following the below mentioned steps:

1. Submit the company name to the DED counter at the Tas’heel Centre
2. The application will be issued, which needs to be filled along with the names, location, office details, and respective signatures are to be taken
3. Once the application is submitted, an officer will be sent to the location for inspection
4. The Memorandum and Articles of Association are to be drafted at the Notary Public which needs to be signed by the shareholders
5. The next step is to get the tenancy contract ready
6. All the documents mentioned prior needs to be submitted accordingly

After the completion of the entire process, you will be eligible to obtain a license. Once received, you need to register with the Dubai Chamber since the certificate issued from the Dubai Chamber is an important document to expand the business in the future.

When the incorporation process gets initiated, the travel and tourism business get strictly monitored and is expected to obtain the travel license at a faster pace. Acquiring the same initially turns out to be a tedious task, but it can be easier if you approach any specialized firm who deals with the process day and night. We at Business Setup Worldwide are here to help you in the process. Being the company incorporation as one of our core services, we also help our clients to gather business licenses in a secure way. To obtain your travel agency license, contact us today- we’d be glad to assist.