13 November 2009

130 staff to transfer in RCI outsourcing move

RCI is to outsource its European travel services operations to International Cruise & Excursions (ICE).

The proposal is subject to employee consultation and will see ICE appointed as RCI’s exclusive travel services provider in relevant European markets for an initial ten years.

Staff engaged in holiday exchange company RCI’s travel operations, other than in Athens, will transfer to ICE.

This includes 130 employees located in Kettering, Cork, Madrid, Portugal and Brussels.

An employee consultation period has now commenced and is expected to conclude next month.

ICE has provided cruises and services to RCI members in North America for more than eight years.

RCI has operated its travel business in Europe as an additional service to members and customers, providing a solution for their travel needs.

But following a detailed strategic review, the company decided that the interests of its European members would be better served by partnering with a travel specialist who can provide a wider range of products and a superior suite of services and options than can be provided by RCI itself, a statement said.

The proposed transfer of operations will come into effect on January 1 with the exception of Belgium on March 1 and Greece, where RCI will retain and continue to operate its travel operations in Athens.

ICE will offer cruise and related holiday programmes and services to more than 3.8 million RCI members worldwide until 2016.

The intention is that ICE will extend its cruise product and service offering to RCI European members.

Jonathan Back, managing director of RCI EMEAI, said: "This agreement will significantly improve cruise and travel benefits provided to members and also allow us to offer the additional cachet of a premium cruise program offering.

"This arrangement will also provide RCI’s Europe-based travel employees with greater potential career opportunities."

by Phil Davies