Travel Counsellors convene record 100 advisors for UAE conference

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More than 100 travel advisors convened at Travel Counsellors' UAE Conference

More than 100 UAE-based business owners, each running their own independent travel consultancy under the Travel Counsellors brand, gathered for the annual conference at Hilton Dubai The Palm on 25 September 2025.

The Travel Counsellors’ gathering marked a significant milestone, as the local community exceeded 100 active business owners for the first time, a reflection of the global brand’s deepening footprint in the UAE’s competitive travel sector.

This growth is reflected in robust commercial results, with Travel Counsellors in the UAE reporting a 16% rise in year-on-year sales, showing how the group’s personalised, entrepreneurial model continues to resonate with both business owners and their clients.

The event also convened more than 50 supplier partners, with headline representation from Atmosphere Core, Heritance & Adaaran Maldives, Bedsonline and Barbados Tourism.

Delegates heard from an inspiring lineup of speakers, including high-performance coach Aidan O’Brien who discussed motivation and resilience, and Drink Dry Founder Erika Doyle who offered her perspective on entrepreneurial growth.

Holly McCann and Erika Doyle TRAVEL counsewllors

Travel Counsellors' GM Holly McCann and Drink Dry Founder Erika Doyle

Travel Counsellors’ Global Sales Director, Jim Eastwood, led sessions on sales and personal mastery, complemented by a panel discussion featuring local business owners and insights from the Business Travel division.

What’s more, members of the UAE support office highlighted forthcoming enhancements to the Travel Counsellors’ proprietary technology platform, which are designed to further empower independent consultants and deliver highly tailored customer experiences.

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Throughout the day, attendees took part in prize draws for luxury holidays to destinations including the Maldives, Seychelles, Barbados, Bali, Namibia and beyond, a further incentive in an engaging and celebratory programme.

The conference also recognised individual achievements with awards honouring standout performers, such as Stephen Kumar, who was named Top Travel Counsellor and Top Corporate Travel Counsellor for 2025, and Sarah Paterson, crowned Top Leisure Travel Counsellor.

travel counsellors performance award winners

Travel Counsellors' award winners for 2025

Sarah Pickford received the award for Top NPS Corporate and Top Cruise; Naeem Patelia was named Top NPS Leisure, and Louise Wrankmore took home the award for Top New Starter and Top NPS Leisure.

Meanwhile, Zahara Dsouza received the Travel Counsellors’ Excellence Award.

The event closed with a gala dinner and awards ceremony hosted by radio personality Kris Fade, featuring a heartfelt tribute to General Manager Holly McCann on her 10-year anniversary with Travel Counsellors UAE.

McCann praised the collective achievements of the network: “With sales up 16% year-on-year and a thriving community of more than 100 Travel Counsellors here in the UAE, our growth is powered by their passion, expertise, and commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences.

“The support of our supplier partners and the inspiring theme of ‘Be Your Best’ continues to drive our business forward.”

For more information, visit travelcounsellors.ae