FORMER glamour model Katie Price has sparked mystery as her new travel business venture has been shut down just two weeks after its launch amid backlash.
The 47-year-old had created a “Katie Price Travels” Instagram page, trying to recruit agents for InteleTravel under the brand Travel Smarter Group.
She set up the part-time venture alongside her pal TV personality Danielle Lloyd.
Travel Smarter Group “co-founded” by Danielle, promises travel perks, training and financial protection but does not include clear details of its host agency.
One advert on her feed encouraged people to: “Join Katie Price and Danielle Lloyd.
“Hear how you can earn more from travel around your other commitments. Work flexibly. Travel more. Earn extra income.”
The podcast host received a slew of backlash from the travel industry, who branded the venture a “gimmick” and a “slap in the face.”
Katie was most notably called out by Inspire Europe chief executive Lisa Henning.
She criticised the star’s move and accused her of bringing down the industry name amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Lisa wrote, as reported by Travel Weekly: “I very rarely comment publicly on things like this. But seeing this today is 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 seen agents in tears because they care so much about their clients and are genuinely worried about what’s happening.
“To 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’.”
Lisa continued: ” 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.
“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’.”
Following the negative response, the model appears to have now deleted her travel page on Instagram.
Katie’s PA has responded to the remarks, according to Travel Gossip.
“Katie has never stated that she personally books travel. She is simply sharing this platform with others to help people become independent travel agents and create an additional income – whether that be part-time or full-time.
“All agents within the community receive full training and are committed to supporting their clients.”
She added: “Katie was simply advertising an opportunity call.”