BCD Travel is aiming for growth in Brazil after taking a controlling stake in a new joint venture in South America’s largest economy.
The Brazilian TMC, which will operate under the BCD Travel banner, will employ 300 people through the venture which has been forged with current partner Avipam. BCD first acquired a shareholding in Avipam in 2007.
Barbara Blue, BCD Travel president for Latin America, said: “This investment creates a strong presence in a market where our clients need to be.
"The new joint venture allows us to enhance our product and service offerings in Brazil and grow our business in a key emerging market.”
BCD intends to improve the call centre infrastructure and increase staff training in Brazil as part of the new venture.
Avipam, which has offices in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and the oil centre of Macae, has been operating since 1947.
BCD Travel currently operates in 97 countries with 11,000 employees. The TMC had global sales of $21.2 billion in 2012.
bcdtravel.com