North Americans Continue To Say "Bonjour" To France & Beyond

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Sept. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- France remains the top destination for their North American travelers according to Rail Europe, Inc., the largest distributor of European rail products in North America. According to sales data, Italy and the United Kingdom followed France respectively as the top destinations for Rail Europe travelers this summer.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7157831-rail-europe-inc-newsroom

In reviewing their 2014 sales figures, Rail Europe identified noteworthy travel data that showcases the latest trends and preferences among their North American clients. Key findings include:

• Traffic between Paris and Barcelona increased by a whopping 86%, due to the introduction of the new high-speed line between the two cities which transports passengers from city-center to city-center in just over 6 hours.
• With more high speed lines and tickets available at lower costs, Italy sales saw a 35% increase this year. Italian hotspots include: Rome, Milan and Venice – also known as the Golden Triangle.
• Spain and Switzerland are also among the leading European destinations, with an increase of roughly 30% in sales from the same time last year. North Americans are flocking to Zurich, Bern, Geneva, Lucerne, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Cordova.
• Top 5 city-center to city-center journeys this summer: Rome to Milan; Rome to Venice via Florence; Paris to London; Paris to Avignon; and Paris to Amsterdam.

"Summer has always been a key selling season for Rail Europe, and this year was no exception. We're pleased with the positive results from summer 2014 and expect the momentum to continue," said Frederic Langlois, President and CEO of Rail Europe. "Working closely with our tourism board and rail partners is the key to delivering a memorable European experience to clients."

"North American travelers are vital to our country's tourism industry, and as host we aim to bring light to all that France has to offer," said Anne Lure Tuncer of ATOUT France. "From bustling cities to charming villages, our partnership with Rail Europe ensures that North American travelers experience the benefits of rail travel, allowing them to explore more of France."

Rail Europe, has become well-known among leisure and business travelers alike for their award winning customer service and creative marketing campaigns, along with an extensive product line, including a wide range of rail passes, high-speed train tickets, local and regional train tickets, as well as e-ticketing options available for many top destinations.

Bookings can be made by visiting Rail Europe's website at raileurope.com or by calling Rail Europe's contact center.

About Rail Europe Inc.  
Rail Europe represents more than 50 European train companies and is a one-stop shop for European rail travel planning and booking. Rail Europe, Inc. is the largest distributor of European rail products in North America, offering a wide range of passes and train tickets to North American travelers. An essential part of the vacation planning process, the company's Web site offers a user-friendly booking engine, knowledgeable experts, online rail pass finder, virtual tours, interactive maps and much more. Rail Europe provides a worry-free, cost and time-effective and seamless travel experience by enabling customers to purchase tickets and plan travel details in advance. 

For more information or to book a trip with Rail Europe, visit www.agent.raileurope.com. Trips can also be reserved by consulting with a travel agent or calling 1-888-382-7245 (U.S.). To book rail for groups of 10 or more, please contact the Group Department at www.raileurope.com/group-travel/group-travel.html.

For the latest Rail Europe news, downloadable videos and high-resolution photos of European trains, media can visit the newsroom at http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7157831-rail-europe-inc-newsroom/.

Connect with Rail Europe on:  
Facebook
Twitter (@RailEurope)
Instagram
Youtube
Google+
Blog 

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7157831-rail-europe-inc-newsroom

SOURCE Rail Europe, Inc.