Eurostar welcomes over 480,000 passengers during the holiday season; a 5% rise in passenger numbers compared to the same period in 2013

  • Over 480,000 people expected to travel by Eurostar during the Christmas period

LONDON, 2014-12-17 — /Travel PR News/ — Eurostar is helping travellers get into the Christmas spirit, as it welcomes over 480,000 passengers during the holiday season– a 5% rise in passenger numbers compared to the equivalent period in 2013*.

Almost a quarter of a million Brits will escape the UK for a festive break in Europe, with Paris, Disneyland Paris and the French Alps proving to be the most popular destinations, and Friday 19th, Tuesday 30th and Tuesday 23rd December the busiest days for departures.

Eurostar stations are putting on a range of fun-filled festive activities leading up to the 25th with passengers able to enjoy Christmas competitions, a magician, manicures, Christmas crackers, and Santa himself making a guest appearance with his elf!

Nick Mercer, Commercial Director for Eurostar said; “In the lead up to Christmas our stations will have a great atmosphere, helping people get into the Christmas spirit before they travel.  Our seasonal service to the French alps has been as popular as ever this year, and we also saw the first of our new connecting services to Geneva depart this month in partnership with TGV Lyria. We look forward to welcoming Eurostar travellers during the holiday period, and wish them all the best for the New Year.”

For more information, to book Eurostar tickets or purchase Eurostar gift vouchers visit www.eurostar.com or call 08432 186 186.

 

-ENDS-

 

Notes to Editors

*Period from 19 December to 4 January 2015, compared to period from 20 December – 5 January 2014

 

About Eurostar

  1. Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon and the French Alps.

2.      Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways).  On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR.

3.      The current Eurostar train was first introduced into service in 1994 carrying 750 passengers and operating at speeds of up to 300kph.  Since then, the fleet of 28 trains has carried more than 150 million passengers between London and the Continent.  Following their refurbishment these trains will continue to form a core part of the Eurostar fleet.  The new Eurostar e320 will carry more than 900 passengers at speeds of up to 320kph.

4.      Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, a partnership between Europe’s leading high-speed train operators that is developing simpler ways to book and travel on the fast-expanding, European high-speed rail network.

For more information:

Eurostar Press Office

020 7843 5500

press.office@eurostar.co.uk