The biggest city of UAE, Dubai is a major travel destination in the Middle East. From stunning beaches, breathtaking gardens to dynamic architecture – Dubai has it all. As one of the most happening places in the world, UAE will continue to attract millions of tourists and along with it, numerous investors planning to set up travel agencies in the country.

In UAE, a travel agency may be operated as a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company. It is important to carefully consider which one to choose as the documentation process will vary accordingly. Setting up an LLC is a rather lengthy process and involves a lot of rigid regulations, thus this type of company setup in UAE can be complicated. On the other hand, to set up a travel agency as a sole proprietorship, the owner must be a certified travel agent.

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Dubai’s flourishing industry makes it very appealing to foreign investors looking to start travel agencies. When a foreign investor thinks about setting up their company in Dubai, the following aspects must be considered first:

• The form of business the company will operate under must be carefully considered
• A local agent must register the company on behalf of the foreign investor
• It is important to determine the location of the agency
• The type of travel license to apply for must be chosen carefully
• Whether sufficient funds are available to complete setting up the company

Company formation in Dubai is relatively straight forward as long as all the necessary steps are followed.  In order to open a travel agency, first and foremost, a license is required. The type of license will be determined by the type of agency.

The most common types of Licenses are:

–  Inbound Tour Operator License-

This license permits a company to provide services in the area of inbound tourism i.e. tourism within the country. This includes inbound tourist trips as well as exhibitions and international conferences. Unfortunately, no bank security is offered for this type of license. Also, an insurance policy is required to cover the risks associated with the business.

–  Outbound Tour Operator License-

As the name suggests, this type of license allows a firm to arrange trips within the country as well as outside the country. International conferences as well as exhibitions are included. Just like the inbound tour license, there is no bank security and an insurance policy must be taken out to cover the risks.

–  Travel Agency License –

In case of travel agencies, the most common formation is the limited liability company. A travel agency is authorized to arrange tours and functions within and outside UAE i.e. all the activities inbound and outbound operators are permitted to undertake. Besides that they can also sell air tickets, offer visa support to clients and arrange accommodation, tours and transport services for clients. Travel agencies are required to take out an insurance policy to cover its affairs for the term of the license. A manager of a travel agency is required to have a minimum of 3 years of experience and must be issued a police clearance.

Regardless of the form of company chosen, the travel agent is a compulsory requirement. The agent plays a crucial role in the company and must fulfil a few rather important duties. They are responsible for selling flight tickets, providing necessary support to clients for obtaining travel visa, and helping tourists book accommodation, guided tours, and transportation when necessary.

Following documents are required:

In order to get a tourism business license in Dubai

• A completed tourism license application form
• Photocopies of the applicant’s passport
• A police clearance certificate from the local police, proving a clean record
• Certificates proving relevant work qualification
• Letter issued by Civil Aviation Authority
• A report, highlighting the project’s feasibility in details

Remembering all the steps and ensuring that all the documents have been provided is not an easy task on one’s own. In order to ensure that the correct procedure is being followed, it is best to confer with professional company setup consultants before applying for licenses. Working with experts will help you save time, and make sure the process is running smoothly. Companies such as Company Setup Consultancy, are an expert in the field, and they have the knowledge and resources required to ensure your Travel Agency can be started successfully.

For further information and assistance on how to start your travel agency in the Dubai, speak with our experienced consultants. Book your FREE consultation today at +971 558654072, +97143827780 or drop us a line on info@test.companysetup.ae

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