With a 16% increase in sales every year and number of travellers touching 26 million, Rail Europe confirms in 2012 its dynamism and reinforces its position as the #1 distributor of European rail travel in the world.
MUMBAI – With a 16% increase in sales every year and number of travellers touching 26 million, Rail Europe confirms in 2012 its dynamism and reinforces its position as the #1 distributor of European rail travel in the world. Passing the symbolic € 200-million mark, Rail Europe 2012 sales established a new record in the company’s history.
Kunal Kothari, Executive Director of Rail Europe India Pvt. Ltd. Said “The Indian market continued its growth in the face of the slowing economy and the fall of the value of the rupee against most currencies. However, the growth on the e-commerce platforms of Rail Europe nearly doubled with the traditional sales channel grew marginally. Of course, the growth would have been higher if not for the extremely popular promotion on the Swiss Pass that allowed one adult to travel free with one paying adult. With the timing of this global promotion coinciding with the Indian peak travel period, the number of passengers grew by a much higher rate than the revenue. With the rupee stabilizing in the last quarter of 2012, sales gained momentum and it looks promising to sustain through 2013”
“We’re thrilled with these outstanding results for 2012, which exceed our initial previsions and show a doubling of our sales in three years’ time!” said Pierre-Stephane Austi, Rail Europe’s CEO. “Despite a difficult worldwide economic context, Rail Europe managed, once again, to achieve a double digit growth, contributing to the growth of the whole industry and affirming its leadership role” Austi added.
Major highlights for 2012 were:
- The 2nd edition of RIDE -Rail Europe’s International Distribution Event- which gathered in Paris during 2 days more than 250 professionals of the rail industry (carriers, distributors and tourist offices)
- The launch of Rail Europe Connexion, an inspirational magazine proposing travel ideas and rail itineraries, distributed to over 2 million readers in 20 countries
- The launch of Italo, the new Italian high speed train, operated by NTV, thus transforming Rail Europe’s distribution system into a truly neutral distribution platform, with more opportunities to travel by train in Italy
Rail Europe not only benefits from the growing trend in rail travel, it actually seems to stimulate it. Thanks to its systematic strategy, the company expands across all distribution channels (trade and direct), all segments (groups & individuals), and on all products: rail passes and point to point tickets, European and non-European.
In 2013, Rail Europe will accelerate this strategy thanks to the introduction of new products in its -already large- product portfolio, ambitious partnership and promotional programs, new innovative distribution solutions, and of course close support to all markets, fast growing and mature markets alike.
2013 will also see the direct connections of Rail Europe’s distribution system to Trenitalia’s & Deutsche Bahn’s distribution systems produce full-year results. Rail Europe expects significant sales from these connections, which allow Rail Europe customers and trade partners to access the same offer as in Italy or Germany, with real time access to all trains, fares (including the most discounted ones) and promotions, as well as to advanced functionalities like e-ticketing.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
