Vital links in Europe

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DAVIES: UAE GDS connectivity is a possibility.

Rail travel is a convenient and value-for-money option when travellers are visiting Europe and can cater to all budgets, explains Michael Davies, head of international sales for Eurostar.

How popular is the Eurostar service with the Middle East market?

Increasingly so. We saw a 10% increase last year in traveller numbers from the Middle East, plus 24% in the first quarter of this year. We're coming from quite a low base, but it's on a positive trend.

Is this market's attitude towards rail travel changing?

I don't think the Middle East market will ever turn completely away from using airlines, but I've had some positive feedback due to the Metro system that's being built in Dubai. People will see that trains can cut through the traffic and it's a much more effective way of getting from A to B.

That's akin to what we do with Eurostar. We cut away all of the delays at the airport, traffic control issues and your bags not arriving on time and get you straight to the centre. So hopefully the Metro system in Dubai will get people to think more of rail travel.

Why are Middle East travellers using Eurostar?

They are using it as a vital link between Europe's two greatest cities - London and Paris. The service is popular with the high-enjd Arabian market because they like to travel in a group, all together and having your luggage with you. It's an increasingly important sector in that respect.

What services offered by Eurostar appeal to this high-end market?

We have the Leisure Select product, which includes a dedicated coach on the train; a three course meal with wine, champagne or non-alcoholic beverages; reclining seats; and a range of newspapers and magazines. It's a fantastic way to start your trip because you really are looked after. We also have a lounge for premium guests with a bar and meeting areas.

You can actually book out a carriage on Eurostar, so an individual family can have privacy. In standard carriages one and 18 we do have partitioned family areas and if you book an exclusive carriage in our Leisure Select or Business Premiere cabins there are dedicated staff assigned specifically for those carriages.

How has the move that's taken you from Waterloo to the new St Pancras International Station (North London) improved the Eurostar service?

It's a destination station, a mixture of old and new, which is exactly what you want in London. It was originally opened in 1868 and it's a beautiful building. There are fantastic places to eat and drink and the shops include Marks & Spencer, Boots, Hamleys and Foyles.

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