Non-EU traffic, Olympics boosts Eurostar

Non-EU traffic, Olympics boosts Eurostar
By admin


A sharp rise in non-European Union travellers helped Eurostar more than double its operating profit in 2012, with a post-Olympic buzz also boosting performance.

Non-EU traffic climbed 8% with overall passenger numbers hitting 9.9 million, up 2% on the previous year.

While revenue from sales was broadly flat, operating profit hit 52.3m GBP (A$76m), up from 25m GBP (A$36m) in 2011.

The high speed rail operator said it benefitted from the Olympics with traffic rising 5% in the fourth quarter.

European and international travellers "flocked" to London after the sporting extravaganza, Eurostar said.

"Responding to the difficult European economic environment, Eurostar has invested heavily in its international marketing, capitalising on London's year in the spotlight with the Jubilee celebrations and a summer of sporting action," it said.

Eurostar described leisure traffic as "resilient" while business numbers were flat, the firm said.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

eurostar rail

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