2013-08-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — Eurostar is set for another bumper bank holiday this weekend, as over 110,000 people are expected to travel with the high-speed rail operator – a 3% rise in passengers compared with the equivalent 2012 August bank holiday weekend *.
Almost 60,000 Brits will take advantage of the long weekend to enjoy a late summer break with Paris, Disneyland Paris and Avignon proving to be the most popular Eurostar destinations. Friday 23 August is the busiest day for departures, and Eurostar has added extra services to Paris to meet the increase in demand.
Passengers travelling from St Pancras International this weekend will be treated to a relaxing send off with a range of free activities on offer in the departure lounge. A magician will be on hand to entertain the kids whilst parents can enjoy a free massage and tea and biscuits.
Mary Walsh, Director of Communications for Eurostar said: “There’s been a great holiday atmosphere in our stations all summer, and this weekend will be no exception. Our seasonal Avignon services have proved particularly popular again this year as the Brits love affair with Provence and the South of France continues to blossom. For any passengers looking for a last minute getaway, there are a handful of tickets remaining for our last direct Avignon service of the season, departing this weekend.”
Eurostar travellers are able to use their Eurostar ticket to receive 2-for-1 entry into paying exhibitions at a selection of top museums and galleries in Paris, Brussels and Lille.
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 Friday 23 August to Monday 26 August 2013, compared to period from Friday 24 August –Monday 27 August 2012
About Eurostar
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 130 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.
- 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