Like a bowl of alligator soup, we’ve made this week’s Road & Rail Wrap short and snappy. Pardon the pun – we promise the news is better.
British rail workers to strike through Christmas
Rail workers on one of Britain’s largest commuter networks, South Western Railway, are set to go on strike for almost all of December.
The RMT union, which represents rail, maritime and transport workers, has announced a total of 27 days of action for next month in a long-running dispute over the future role of guards and driver-controlled operation of trains.
Previous stoppages, over shorter periods, reportedly forced South Western to cut about half of timetabled services, The Guardian reported.
A longer strike would likely mean even greater disruption in the run-up to Christmas.
UTracks posts record month of early bird bookings
UTracks, the active European holiday specialist, last week revealed it has received its highest number of early bird bookings on record, following the conclusion of its early bird promotion.
General manager Kate Baker said she expects the trend to continue.
“It’s positively encouraging that so many people are taking active holidays and experiencing a destination in more depth.
As concerns regarding over tourism grow, getting out into the countryside on a walking or cycling trip offers a more immersive and authentic travel experience. Plus it spreads tourism dollars to regional areas,” Baker said.
Pictured (Front row, L to R): Kate Baker, Allie Peden, Jaclyn Lofts. (Back row, L to R) Michele Salazar, Virginia Haddon, Will Counsell, Annika Aquilina, Alana Mehmet. (Absent) Efti Nure.
Amtrak Vacations and Railbookers kick off 10-day road blitz
Beginning today, vice president of sales and business development executives from Amtrak Vacations and Railbookers will be travelling along Australia’s east coast to visit their travel agent partners.
The ‘road blitz’ comes amid celebrations of record-breaking growth in Australia’s rail market for both brands, and will see the launch of Railbookers’ 2020 brochure and the promotion of its extended ‘Once in a Lifetime Sale’.
Since opening their doors last year in Sydney, this is the first time Amtrak Vacations and Railbookers are hitting the road to meet with and educate agents on their independent rail holiday itineraries and unique selling points. They will also be extending an exciting special offer to agents to share with their customers.
