James Dunne James Dunne

New platform launches for booking rail journeys

A new specialist operator created by local rail experts aims to make booking international train journeys easier for New Zealand travel agents.

The brainchild of Rail Europe’s former CEO for New Zealand and Australia, James Dunne, Rail Online offers a booking platform, created in partnership with global rail technology provider SilverRail, whose software currently facilitates more than 30 million online rail bookings each year.

Agents can search, compare and book European rail passes, as well as point-to-point tickets across the United Kingdom. Additional rail networks across continental Europe and North America will be added in coming months.

The company has direct access to competitive rates, with all products issued as e-tickets.

Prices are displayed in New Zealand dollars, there are no booking fees, and agents can self-manage desired itinerary changes or refunds.

Point-to-point fares are offered at nett rates, while Rail Online is offering a special launch commission of 7% on Eurail Passes.

CEO Dunne, who has also held senior executive roles at Singapore Airlines and Austrian Airlines, says New Zealand travellers have always understood the cost savings and convenience offered by train travel, particularly for multi-destination European holidays. However, he believes we are on the cusp of a dramatic expansion of the international rail market.

‘With rail e-tickets, New Zealand travel agents can access an unprecedented array of cheap online fares,’ says Dunne. ‘At the same time, demand for rail is being driven by the roll-out of new high-speed networks that make train journeys even more efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Agents can register at www.rail.online/createAgency

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