Virgin and Eurostar launch collaboration

28th November 2018

Virgin Trains and Eurostar have launched a new collaboration that will benefit business by offering an end to end rail booking service between major routes and mainland Europe.

The first of it's kind between Eurostar and a UK train operating company, the initiative is designed to target the Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibitions (MICE) market, removing the logistics of having to book separate journeys. This will enable customers to search for and book a through fare from many destinations such as Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham to Paris, Lille and Brussels.

Organisers and planners will also have the ability to change or transfer tickets between delegates and to book out entire train carriages for events at discounted travel rates. First or Standard Class fares will be available - or combinations of both - and there are a variety of catering options available. VIP hosts will guide customers to and from St Pancras on the Virgin Trains leg of the journey.

Officially unveiled at the IBTM World exhibition, the partnership has already been positively welcomed by European business travellers with Visit Britain encouraging the overseas market to take advantage of the service.

Head of Offline Channels for Virgin Trains, Adrienne Nankivell, said: “This partnership provides the ideal solution for the business traveller searching for the best way to travel between destinations in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.By creating a “one-stop shop” booking service we are able to offer a convenient way to travel for large groups who want an excellent customer experience. We are very much looking forward to developing this service for those intending on visiting Europe or the UK for business.”

Head of Sales, Simon Tyler, at Eurostar, said: “We are pleased to extend our MICE offer working with Virgin trains to make it even easier for groups to discover a wider range of destinations. Our dedicated MICE experiences have proved popular since they launched this summer, with passengers able to relax and enjoy tailored activities in their exclusive Eurostar carriage. We look forward to launching this partnership and offering even more MICE travellers a journey to remember.”

VisitBritain’s Head of Business Events Kerrin MacPhie said: “We are excited to be part of a collaboration to drive growth to more destinations across the UK for the international MICE market, giving event planners and their delegates the chance to easily explore our wider business events offer.

“This new booking experience provides convenience for the MICE market, easing the planning process and encouraging more international meetings to take place right across our nations and regions. Travelling is part of the meeting experience and by offering seamless transport options it positions the UK another step closer to being the leading destination for international MICE events.”

Author: Darren Porter
Image: Virgin Trains