– 60+ InterRail Global Pass Gaining Rapidly in Popularity
UTRECHT, The Netherlands, December 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Eurail Group G.I.E., the organisation dedicated to the marketing and management of the InterRail product range report that the introduction of the InterRail 60+ Global Pass has been well very received by consumers in 2010.
The introduction of the InterRail 60+ discount delivered a substantial combination of growth and increased profitability for the member railways during the first three quarters of 2010. “Since introduction of the Senior Pass at the beginning of the year, we have analysed that 3.6% of InterRail Global Passes sold already account for the 60+ demographic” comments Eurail Group’s Managing Director, Rene de Groot. “This shows that this type of pass is becoming a ‘hit’ with people who have the time to explore Europe by rail at leisure and in comfort and, who often retrace the trips they made by InterRail when they were youngsters”.
Eurail Group G.I.E. further reports that the InterRail Global Pass sales have risen by 11.4% compared to the same period in 2009. 76.7% of the current InterRail Pass holders represent youth travellers who have been synonymous with InterRailing for almost four decades. Children and adults over the age of 26 account for the remaining 19.7%, which proves that InterRail is beginning to appeal to all ages.
Rail travel continues to be the ‘Green choice’, while the implementation of new Highspeed connections in Spain, France and Finland will not only have a positive impact on reduced travel times, but on the environment also.
Renfe’s AVE Long Distance trains in Spain have the ability to reach average speeds of 300 to 350 km/h: this means that pass holders can travel between Madrid and Barcelona 52 time per day and cover 638 kilometres within 2h.38. Trenitalia’s fleet of ‘Red Arrow Frecciarossa’ trains which run on High Speed tracks (between Turin, Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Naples and Salerno) reach commercial speeds of approximately 300 km/h. Non-stop connections between Milan and Rome can transport pass holders 68 times per day, bridging the distance of 575 kilometres within 3hrs. “We are aware of the fact consumers are keen to travel from A to B in the quickest time possible” says de Groot. “Therefore, we predict that the expansion of our shareholders network and their exceptional services will be a very positive advantage for future InterRail Pass holders”.
