Eurail Group reports strong 2010 results

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Eurail Group G.I.E., the organisation dedicated to the marketing and management of the Eurail Passes, reports very positive year end sales results for 2010. In 2001, the Eurail Group was established as an organisation dedicated to the marketing and management of the Eurail Pass, which had been jointly managed by a large number of train and shipping companies since 1959. In 2007 the Eurail Group took over the running of InterRail Passes, in order to give the product a more commercial focus.

Eurail and InterRail Passes are now widely regarded as the best rail passes in Europe, providing the greatest flexibility over the widest range of options.

Last year the number of Eurail passengers grew by 11.9% compared to 2009, with a grand total of 427,000.

Sales for all Eurail Passes grew significantly during 2010, with the vast majority of Global sales regions performing very well. August was a record month, reflecting the global increase in travellers’ confidence with a high number of last minute bookings. Sales in the Pacific area increased by 27% compared to 2009, Asia by 20% and South America by a staggering 33%.

Despite the effects of a still challenging economy in the United States and Canada, the sales remained at the same level as in 2009. Upcoming economic markets such as Brazil, India and China are increasingly responsible for the continued growth and popularity of Eurail Pass travel.

According to Eurail Group’s Managing Director, Mr. René de Groot, the positive results in 2010 exceeded the original targets. “By the end of June 2010 we could already see travellers’ confidence returning through rapidly increased booking numbers,” he said.

“With Eurail Group’s final 2010 numbers now reported, it was a very pleasant surprise to learn that the 2010 numbers equal those of 2008. All products, as well as travel to and within many of the regions and countries in Europe were up by the end of the year. These are very promising indicators for the future and we are confident in saying that we expect to welcome around 470,000 pass travellers to the rails in 2011,” concludes de Groot.

The Eurail Group is wholly owned by the participating railways and shipping companies with key decisions being taken by the board, consisting of eight appointed member railways. In addition, the Group has many benefit partners, including hotels, transport companies, and museums, which offer their services either at a reduced rate or free of charge for rail pass holders.

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