Travelsphere’s UK head of trade sales, Rachel Mould, spoke to Travel Bulletin about the sales opportunity that awaits those heading aboard the rise of rail touring
It was a well-timed discussion, with Rachel believing, "Rail touring is having such a moment. It’s now capturing the imagination of a new generation, drawn to the ease and variety that only a train journey can offer.
"Whether it’s a luxurious journey on the Rocky Mountaineer or the high-speed thrill of the bullet train in Japan, rail holidays carry that nostalgic, golden-age-of-travel vibe – even if the journey is on a modern, technologically advanced train."
There is much more than feel-good sentiment to Rachel's thoughts. "This summer, Mintel revealed that within escorted touring, rail was one of the areas with the biggest scope for future expansion, with growing demand for rail-only itineraries, as well as fly-rail tours. For us, we’ve seen a 17% increase year-on-year in bookings for tours that have a rail element."
Rachel believes that, beyond breathtaking experiences and the breadth of destinations accessible by train, "Rail touring opens the door to new opportunities [for travel agents]. It’s a great way to spark interest among clients who may not have considered an escorted holiday before, especially those with a love of trains or classic travel.
"The appeal works both ways, too—repeat touring customers often see rail as a fresh, distinctive way to explore the world."
And what is behind the steam gathering behind rail touring? "The reasons are varied, but there’s little doubt that travellers are seeking holidays that go beyond a tried and tested formula. In an increasingly always-on world, there’s growing demand for something a little more traditional, sometimes a little slower, but no less memorable or adventurous."
Naturally, Travelsphere is all aboard the hype. "That could be, for example, boarding the TranzAlpine train on Travelsphere’s Discover New Zealand tour, heading into the Southern Alps, a mountain range that spans almost the entire length of South Island; a two-day journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, travelling in style through the Canadian Rockies; or the Flam Railway, one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world.
"In an age where travellers are seeking experiences that feel more authentic and unhurried, rail touring delivers on every front: comfort, discovery, ease - all wrapped in the unmistakable character and charm of the journey itself."
Rachel Mould is head of trade sales for the UK at Travelsphere and Just You/G Touring.
