Booking international rail journeys just got easier for travel agents with the launch of Rail Online, a new specialist operator.
The brainchild of former Rail Europe Australasia executives, James Dunne, Lachlan McCallum and Kew Muthalif, Rail Online launched recently with operations across Australia and the UK.
The company has partnered up with rail tech leader SilverRail, whose software currently facilitates more than 30 million online rail bookings each year.
Using a travel agent tab on Rail Online’s new booking platform, agents can search, compare and book European rail passes, as well as point-to-point tickets across the United Kingdom and additional rail networks across continental Europe and North America will be added in the coming months.
According to the company, the platform will give agents access to the most competitive rates, with all products issued as e-tickets.
Its payment process is simple with no booking fees and prices are displayed in Australian dollars, eliminating messy foreign exchange fees.
Plus, agents can self-manage desired itinerary changes or refunds – providing the flexibility and immediacy demanded by the current climate.
Point-to-point fares are offered at nett rates, while Rail Online is offering a special launch commission of 7 per cent on Eurail Passes.
CEO Dunne, who has previously held senior executive roles at Singapore Airlines and Austrian Airlines, said Australian travellers have always understood the cost savings and unrivalled convenience offered by train travel, particularly when it came to multi-destination European holidays.
However, he believes we are on the cusp of a dramatic expansion of the international rail market.
“Thanks to the advent of rail e-tickets, Australian travel agents can now access an unprecedented array of cheap online fares,” he said.
“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, elegant and environmentally sustainable.
“The simplicity and convenience of our booking process, combined with our local team’s understanding of Australian travel agents’ needs, will ensure Rail Online plays a pivotal role in ensuring rail travel realises its true potential in 2022 and beyond.”
Agents can register for Rail Online HERE.
Featured image: iStock/Hispanolistic
