Ctrip is poised to boost Edinburgh’s job market with a new customer service centre.
This expansion reflects the firm’s strategic outlook and the city’s potential.
Edinburgh: A Strategic Choice
Ctrip, the Chinese global travel giant, is establishing a customer service call centre in Edinburgh, creating up to 200 jobs. This initiative is part of their strategy to extend services beyond China. Edinburgh, with its pool of talented professionals, presents an ideal location for this ambitious venture.
Choosing Edinburgh showcases Ctrip’s confidence in the city’s workforce. The call centre will provide services across multiple time zones and languages, setting a new standard in customer support. Ctrip’s decision was influenced by the successful model of Skyscanner, the company it acquired in 2016.
Leveraging Best Practices from Skyscanner
The new call centre aims to draw on Skyscanner’s expertise in online service delivery. Skyscanner, headquartered in Edinburgh, has set benchmarks in efficiently managing global customer service. Ctrip plans to incorporate these best practices to enhance their operational framework.
Directors, including Coley Dale, have emphasised the importance of learning from Skyscanner’s customer engagement strategies. These practices are expected to be pivotal in establishing a robust service system at the new Edinburgh centre.
Recruitment and Training Initiatives
Recruitment for the new centre will commence towards the end of 2017, preceding the early 2018 opening.
Selected employees will undergo a comprehensive training programme lasting between one and a half to three months, equipping them with skills essential for addressing diverse customer queries effectively.
Furthermore, selected employees from Edinburgh will visit Ctrip’s headquarters in Shanghai. This exchange programme is aimed at skill sharing, ensuring that the staff at the Edinburgh centre are well-versed in global customer service norms.
Scottish Development International’s Role
Scottish Development International (SDI) is playing a crucial role in facilitating Ctrip’s investment in Scotland. Their support underscores the strength of Scotland’s business environment, which appeals to international investors. Paul Lewis, managing director of SDI, has expressed delight at Ctrip’s choice of Edinburgh as their first outpost outside China.
The organisation is committed to offering effective support to ensure the success of this venture, which will significantly impact the local economy.
Impact on the Local Economy
The establishment of Ctrip’s call centre heralds a significant economic boost for Edinburgh. It opens a wealth of opportunities for local talent, fostering job growth and skill development.
Additionally, the presence of a renowned international company like Ctrip is likely to attract further investment to the region, enhancing Edinburgh’s status as a hub for international business. This move is a testament to the city’s growing appeal on the global stage.
As the centre becomes operational, Edinburgh will see an influx of new job opportunities and a subsequent increase in economic activity.
A Milestone in Ctrip’s Global Expansion
Ctrip’s venture into Edinburgh marks a milestone in its international expansion strategy. Establishing a foothold in Europe, starting with Scotland, is a strategic move aimed at diversifying its operational geography.
Ctrip’s commitment to providing top-notch services to a global clientele is evident in this bold step, which is backed by substantial investment and planning. The opening of this call centre is just the beginning of its broader vision.
Future Prospects
The success of this initiative could pave the way for more such centres across Europe. Ctrip’s investment in Edinburgh is a promising step towards a more interconnected and resourceful customer service network.
As Ctrip grows its presence outside China, it strengthens its global market position, promising exceptional service levels and innovation. The Edinburgh centre is likely to become a paradigm for future expansions.
Ctrip’s new centre in Edinburgh is a strategic move with promising benefits.
This initiative not only creates jobs but also reinforces the city’s global significance.