Chinese owners of Skyscanner to create 200 jobs with new Edinburgh call centre

The Chinese firm which owns Edinburgh-based website Skyscanner is to open a new call centre in the capital, creating around 200 new jobs.

Ctrip bought the travel search site last year for £1.4billion, however it kept the existing management in place.

The company, which is China's largest online travel service, says this new centre will be independent from Skyscanner, but will learn from it.

The site is due to open early in 2018 with recruitment starting at the end of this year.

Director Coley Dale said: "Ctrip's leadership team has visited Edinburgh several times since the acquisition of Skyscanner at the end of last year.

"It is clear to us that there is considerable talent in Scotland and the city makes an ideal base for Ctrip to open a dedicated call centre.

"While Chinese travellers continue to be the focus for Ctrip, we're step by step investing in our services across the world.

"We're excited to be building roots here in Edinburgh and will be recruiting at scale for our new office.''

Paul Lewis, managing director of Scottish Development International, said: "We are delighted Ctrip has chosen Edinburgh for its first call centre outside China.

"The company joins many international investors which recognise the strength of our skills base, competitive business environment and effective support network.

"We look forward to working with Ctrip to help deliver this significant investment and new jobs for Scotland."