Smart Travel, one of the leading travel companies in the UAE, has announced the launch of its franchise project - the first-of-its-kind in the travel industry in the country. It is the company’s new entrepreneurship project to expand outlets and create more entrepreneurs in the field.
The official launch of Smart Travel Franchise was held at Lavender Hotel - Al Nahda last evening. The franchise distribution event was inaugurated by Omer Al Sari Al Mehri and the official session was inaugurated by AK Faizal. The event was attended by business professionals, investors, other delegates from different parts of the UAE.
“The event was successful and we distributed six franchisees in the first phase. We further plan to give 20 more franchisees in the initial stage," said Afi Ahmed, Founder of Smart Travel.
Smart Travel management has its expansion plan to open 50 new branches by end of 2023.
“As a part of this initiative, we implemented Smart Franchise business concept to investors or entrepreneurs who wish to get into business," said Ahmed.
The first franchisee was awarded to Firoz Karmanil, a businessman in Ras Al Khaimah. Other five franchisees were given to Azeez (2 franchisees), Shukkoor (2 franchisees), and Jamal Mustafa. Another six new franchisees were confirmed in the event which brought the total numbers of franchisees to 13 out of 25 in the first phase. The scheme is expected to create employment opportunities for around 600 people from different countries. The registration form is available on their website www.smarttravels.ae for those who wish to get a franchise.
Smart Travel LLC was established on June 12, 2015, with just seven employees. The trademark registered company in a short span of 6 years has become an international brand to be reckoned with and a trusted partner of UAE travellers and visitors.
Today, Smart Travel boasts more than 100 employees and 11 branches in the Emirates, with plans to open 6 more branches by the end of 2022 covering the Middle East, Europe, and India. The 'Care for Your Mum' scheme, which provides a fixed amount of financial assistance to the mothers of employees working in Smart Travel, has received a lot of attention. Smart Travel has already launched a special welfare scheme for employees as part of raising their living standards.
The company, which has seen phenomenal growth with its annual turnover hitting Dh350million, has now set sights on being the number #1 B2B and B2C company with an estimated turnover of Dh750m by 2025. Among the official arrangements for visit visas are the A+ Card in the Emirate of Sharjah, the special Visa Fort in Dubai, and the Smart Travel is the exclusive partner of Al Masood Travel, an A-plus company in Abu Dhabi. Smart Travel was the first to introduce the Visit Visa Change facility in Dubai.
For entrepreneurs who can offer services, this scheme provides an opportunity to launch a Smart Travel franchise at various locations. Successful advancement of Smart Travel in the past, brand value and popularity will be a great asset for those who want to start a franchise.
"If investors do not receive a dividend within a year, their full investment will be refunded," said Ahmad. Moreover, the dividend will be available to investors in three months from their investment. Ahmed added that the risk is low, and transparency will make the franchise more attractive to young entrepreneurs.
Businessmen from across the UAE were part of this event - Shamsudheen Nellara, Muneer Al Wafaa, Shamsudheen VK, Ajmal Khan, Shihab, Thankachan, Riyaz, Basheer, and Firoz Karmanil were part of the official session.
