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The post Rail Europe simplifies train travel in the continent appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

Rail Europe, the independent high-tech travel company, has rebranded after becoming a private-owned company, no longer part of e. Voyageurs SNCF. The rebrand also introduces the company’s new tagline, “Unlock Connections!”, which encapsulates its goal to empower travellers to explore the continent freely and easily.

Travel Daily Media caught up with Bjorn Bender, President & CEO of Rail Europe, to discuss the new brand and technology.

Travel Daily (TD): What does Rail Europe’s rebrand mean to the trade, and how are you addressing your passenger’s needs today?

Bjorn Bender (BB): It’s more than just changing our logo; it means independence after 90 years of history. We are completely out of one specific railway company, and now private, market-centric and working with every other carrier in Europe on eye level. This brings advantages for all our customers globally by increasing and enriching our scope. We have a global footprint with a local market approach which is one of our unique selling points.

As an aggregating business, we reduce complexity and simplify buying global rail. On the other side, we’re really dedicated and very specific to different market needs. Take the APAC region, the two biggest markets of Korea and Australia; the business volume is almost the same. But of course, behind, it’s very structured differently in terms of OTAs, FIT, groups, and so on.

TD: Rail Europe is positioned as a travel tech company. What does this mean to agents and passengers alike? 

BB: That’s right. I like it even more when we are talking about a travel product tech company because, of course, the product comes first, and technology drives a better experience. We invest a lot in innovation and increasing the possibilities with technology, which is exciting.

When we are talking about an aggregator, we are more or less a broker, collecting the inventory of more than 100 European railway suppliers and providing them with up to 15,000 B2B partners globally.

The experience is harmonised and simplified, through a state-of-the-art API, specifically for our B2B partners and accompanying our expert travel advisors from A to Z, which makes us different from others.
Our main pillars are really important, and we are providing the best technology and being with the customers, listening, understanding, and providing solutions, even if there are challenges or problems.

TD: Do Rail Europe passengers have access to tickets from all European rail operators at the most competitive price?

BB: Of course, we provide comparisons between the different fares in terms of prices, duration and tariff limitations. For example, crossing borders between Frankfurt and Paris. You do have one train, but there are two different un-linked systems in the backend. The e-ticket, in the end, is seamless, and you can be sure you really receive the best price available.

Like the airlines, we have allotments, starting with the lowest prices up to the highest, most flexible prices. And for customers not used to the European railway system, they usually look at one carrier getting the best price. We are looking at both back ends and providing the best possible price and tariff through our B2B API and B2C consumers. This comparison functionality makes us special.

TD: Interviewer: How do the Western markets and Asian markets differ? 

BB: Well, we just arrived from Korea, and if you have a look at the market potential and volume, for instance, Korea and Australia are quite similar. Both were always in the top three markets of Europe for years, almost for decades, pre-COVID.

TD: Why Koreans?

BB: Frankly, they are Europe-addicted and very mature in how they travel. They’re not only the first-timers; there’s high repeat visitation. Europe is exotic for Asian travellers, and they’re now going further afield beyond Paris and Rome to Eastern and Southern Europe.

The way they book is quite different compared to Australia, which relies on retail and online travel agencies. Korean sales channels differ, specifically TV, and home shopping, for instance. Australia is still very dependent on travel agency chains, 60 to 70%, so we provide the best web interface possible for the agents.

We are very excited by our new brand and how technology and travel work together, booking seamless rail like never before. We live in exciting times again.

The post Rail Europe simplifies train travel in the continent appeared first on Travel Daily.

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