InterRail: More Than Just the Journey

UTRECHT, The Netherlands - InterRailing is about much more than just getting from A to B, announces
the Eurail Group G.I.E.

Travelling on an InterRail Pass certainly gets you to all the European
destinations you could wish to visit, but travellers confess that InterRail
has far more appeal than a simple method of transportation.

Market research conducted last year by the Eurail Group, the company
responsible for managing and marketing the InterRail Pass has revealed that
customers choose InterRail for a variety of reasons. The research, conducted
in 8 key InterRail Markets (UK, Italy, Spain, Norway, Germany, Switzerland,
the Netherlands and France) shows that European rail travel is largely seen
as safe, good for meeting people and provides a comfortable environment
conducive to relaxing, reading and working.

The Eurail Group carried out quantitative and qualitative research in
order to understand the perception of rail travel in Europe. The results of
the qualitative study demonstrate that train travel has a great appeal,
especially amongst the Brits and Spanish. Not only did the safe and relaxing
aspects of rail travel feature high in the list, it is also recognised as
being one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport. It is true
that with today’s awareness of climate change issues, rail travel stands out
as the responsible mode of transportation. The amount of carbon dioxide
generated per passenger on a short-haul flight is about four times that
generated by a train trip(1).

“From talking to our customers and potential customers, as well as
conducting the survey, it became clear that what our customers are looking
for is a unique experience,” explains Ana Dias e Seixas, Eurail Group’s
Marketing Director. “And InterRail can provide this, making the journey part
of the holiday. People like rail travel as they can chat, relax and meet new
people, not aspects necessarily associated with flying or driving.”

Planes may be quicker in some instances, but they lack the comfortable
environment associated with rail travel, concluded the survey. One of the
most enjoyable things about taking the train is being able to admire the
ever-changing scenery - certainly not possible for passengers sitting amongst
the clouds, thousands of feet in the air. Being able to avoid traffic jams
and hectic airports were also recognised as being important benefits of
travelling by InterRail.

Whilst the survey showed that not everyone has heard of InterRail (around
45% of respondents were unaware), the Eurail Group is making great progress
in increasing brand awareness with a number of marketing and communication
campaigns. Consequently, the number of InterRail passengers rose to 238,000
in 2008, an increase of 36% compared to 2007, and this positive trend is
expected to continue as more people realise the benefits of taking the train.

The research also showed that there is still a common misconception that
InterRailing is only for young people. On the contrary, InterRail is
available for all age groups; it appeals to the mindset of discovering Europe
in your own unique way and this attracts all ages.

The InterRail Global Pass enables customers to explore up to 30 countries
throughout Europe by train opening up numerous travel possibilities. Prices
start from just EUR159 for a five-day youth pass and EUR249 for an adult
pass. The Eurail Group also offers a wide range of InterRail One Country
Passes. For more information and to purchase visit
www.InterRailnet.com or contact a rail travel agent or participating
Railway company.

For More Information:

Eurail Group corporate website and press room:
www.eurailgroup.com

Eurail photo library: eurail.informationstore.net/

Editor’s note: The railway companies of the following countries
participate in the InterRail offer: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, (FYR) Macedonia,
Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden and Turkey.

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(1) According to the Carbon Neutral Company

Source: Eurail Group G.I.E.

Press Contacts: Ana Dias e Seixas & Rachel Morton-Young, email: Pressinfo at eurail.nl, tel: +31(0)30-7516-500