Leisure travel drives Eurostar boost

Eurostar has reported a strong start to 2012, driven largely by an increase in leisure travel with the high speed rail service.

Business travel on Eurostar has remained broadly the same as 2011, but a boost in leisure passengers has seen Eurostar’s sales revenue climb. In the first quarter of this year, sales revenue went up by 7%, compared to the first quarter of 2011. Revenue was up to £210 million this year, compared to £197 million last year.

“The year got off to a strong start with sales revenues and passenger numbers on the up,” said Nicolas Petrovic, Chief Executive of Eurostar. “Our core destinations continue to be a big draw for passengers but we have also seen particularly good take-up of our Amsterdam fares as passengers are increasingly keen to try out new leisure destinations by high speed rail.”

Passenger numbers were also up on last year, climbing to 2.24 million in the first quarter of 2012 – compared to 2.15 million the same time last year. The strong start to 2012 is expected to continue throughout the summer, as events like the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games attract visitors to the UK.

“We are gearing up for an exciting summer as the nation counts down to the London 2012 celebrations,” added Mr Petrovic. “Bookings for the June bank holiday weekend are looking strong with thousands of visitors coming to London to enjoy the unique pageantry of the Queen's Jubilee.”Eurostar is an official partner of the London Olympics, and will be hoping to capitalise on the popularity of the Games.

“There is no doubt that London is set to have one of its most memorable years on record and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to share in the experience,” said Mr Petrovic. If you are planning a trip abroad this year, remember to take out travel insurance. This will protect you financially should you have an accident while abroad.

Date Created: 17/04/2012