Eurostar, the high-speed rail line that connects the UK and the Continent, has reported that their U.S. sales were up five percent for the first six trading months up until June of 2009.
This trend, the company believes, is due to the increased appeal of high-speed rail over air when traveling in Europe, and the fact that the passenger rail provider now has e-ticketing on global distribution systems (GDS) Sabre, Amadeus and Apollo.
Emma Harris, director of international sales and marketing, pointed out the appeal of high-speed train travel over air travel, including the ability to use mobile devices and the short travel time from city center to city center, rather than having to connect to airports.
“We have now set up a U.S. Corporate Sales division,” she said, “and they seem to have got off to a flying start. With the brand continually gaining awareness and strength, all indications are that the strong sales will continue throughout 2009.”
Eurostar also announced that their 100 millionth traveler since the company's inception in 1994 is due to ride on August 28.