Rail Europe Opens Store in Hong Kong; Launches Promotion

Rail Europe has opened its first Asian retail store with a flagship outlet in Hong Kong in partnership with Sincerity Travel, a leading local agent for train travel in Europe.

The store opened amid impressive global results for Rail Europe in 2010 and the first quarter of 2011.

With a global turnover in excess of €137 million (over US$197 million) in 2010, the company achieved a 34% growth year-on-year. 2011 follows the same trend with sales up by 30% vs. Q1 2010.

"We couldn't be happier with the performance of our business," said Pierre-Stephane Austi, CEO of Rail Europe. "2010 was a fantastic year, with all markets, all channels and all product lines contributing to the growth. What's more, Q1 results are brilliant - we are thrilled to report the highest first quarter revenues and profit in Rail Europe's history- and future looks even brighter."

Expansion into the Asian market responds to a significant increase in demand for exploring Europe by train, especially among university students and young travelers.

"Bookings in Hong Kong were up by 48% from January to April this year, with a 141% increase in April alone," said Philippe Kirsanow, Rail Europe’s Sales Director for Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.

He said Hong Kong was selected for Rail Europe’s boutique flagship in Asia as a model and reference for other markets: Mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam markets.

With a renowned focus on university student and youth travel, Sincerity Travel has been Rail Europe’s premier sales agent in Hong Kong for over a decade.

"Train is the only way to really explore and experience Europe, and passes aboard Rail Europe are exceptional, affordable value for young travelers," said Sincerity Travel Chairman, Mr. Lam Keung.

Sincerity Travel’s bookings this year correspond to Rail Europe’s overall sales, up 53% in the first four months and 104% in April, the start of the peak summer season.

Sincerity Travel operates six retail outlets in Hong Kong, one in Macau and one in Guangzhou.

In 2011, Rail Europe is also celebrating its 16th anniversary and is marking the date with a special bonus for young travellers this year – 17 days of travel for the price of a 15-day Eurail Global Pass costing 345 euros. It allows unlimited travel in 22 European countries for the equivalent of just over HK$200 a day.

To qualify for the two day bonus, the promotional pass should be purchased by 31 May 2011, for travel any time up to November.

Rail Europe’s flagship store is at 688 Nathan Road, Floor 11, Room 12, Argyle Centre – Phase 1 Mongkok, Hong Kong (Tel: +852 2390 0421). It is open from Monday to Saturday: 9.30am to 8pm; Sunday and Public Holidays: 12pm to 6pm.

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