RCI Europe & The Middle East announces the extension of its business alliance with Spanish hospitality giant, Sol Melia, into Europe. This alliance mirrors the relationship RCI has with Sol Melia Vacation Club (SMVC) in the Americas and the Caribbean. SMVC is, one of the largest global vacation clubs in the world.

With over 30 years in the business of leisure travel membershipvacation, RCI has significantly influenced the industry. Its core competencies complement Sol Melia, the world`s largest hotel resort operator, with extensive experience in providing customised services for its clients, a global network of offices, state-of-the-art technology and call centre capabilities.

SMVC is now able to offer its members access to RCI`s network of 3,700 affiliated resorts, in addition to the opportunity to exchange internally within its own resorts currently located in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and shortly the Canary Islands. Through SMVC, members also have access to Sol Melia`s hotel network of over 350 hotels in 30 countries around the world.

Alain Grange, chief executive of SMVC says;

Sol Melia regards SMVC as a new and important strategic initiative that is set to become one of the company`s fastest growing businesses in the coming years. We look forward to working with RCI, to deliver an unparalleled level of service to our European members and putting vacation club membership high on the radar of anyone looking for a top quality experience.

Preben Vestdam, CEO RCI Europe & The Middle East says;

Sol Melia s business expansion sends a valuable message out to the travel and leisure industry; not only endorsing vacation club membership as a credible choice but also as a profitable business model. We are honoured to be Sol Melia`s chosen business partner and look forward to future synergies.

Initial European plans by SMVC include resorts in the Canary Islands, followed by Mallorca and mainland Spain. Future developments could also include destinations in Spain, France, Britain and Italy.