Rail Europe witnessed 35 per cent growth from the Indian market in 2012, revealed Kunal Kothari, Executive Director, Rail Europe India. According to him, the railway recorded 35-40 per cent growth in the first quarter of last year itself, followed by a healthy increase in passenger numbers towards the year end as well. Rail Europe transported 378,176 Indian passengers in 2012, raking in EUR 20.44 million from this market alone.
“Indian travellers paid EUR 11 less for Rail Europe ticket in 2012 compared to 2011 which encouraged bookings. Keeping this success in mind, Rail Europe is planning promotions again for 2013, one of which will be unravelled this month to mark our anniversary. The details will be made public at a later date,” revealed Kothari. In addition, Rail Europe will introduce its Swiss promotion for the travel periods of March-April and November-December which will provide travellers with a 4 days plus 1 day offer on a first class pass purchase.
Rail Europe recently forged an exclusive partnership with the new Italian high speed train Italo, owned by NTV. Kothari stated that the sales for this train are so far offline, but will be routed to the Rail Europe site by early April. However, B2B sales will still be the company’s strong point to sell the same. “B2B is still the strongest sales chain, not only in India but even in other countries, and will still be the way forward for Rail Europe,” added Kothari. He further stated that France pulling out of the Eurail Select Pass will add further impetus to Rail Europe’s business as the move is sure to increase Rail Pass and point to point ticket sales.
