It’s taken almost 20 years but the train has finally pulled into the station with the arrival of Entire Travel Group’s inaugural luxury Rail Journeys brochure.
The 80-page publication offers a selection of more than 65 independent rail packages – ranging from one to 16 nights – on voyages traversing Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Australia.
It was launched at a debonair function at the Tea Rooms in the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, attended by 120 guests and representatives from some of the leading rail companies and luxury train journeys around the world.
Among them was Golden Eagle Luxury Trains (Gold Eagle and Golden Eagle Danube Express), Swiss Scenic Trains, VIA Rail Canada, Rocky Mountaineer and Belmond (Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, The Royal Scotsman, Orient Silk Road Express and Eastern & Oriental Express).
The new program was conceived on the back of the ground-breaking but now defunct Rail Plus Great Train Journeys initiative.
“This moment has actually been probably 20 years in the making for us,” said Brad McDonnell, Managing Director, Entire Travel Group. “Working out of the Entire Travel Group is the brains trust behind the original program for Rail Plus.
“So about a year ago, we were looking at different things in our business and we thought, we’ve got an opportunity here,” said Brad McDonnell, Managing Director, Entire Travel Group.
“But we don’t take on a new product just because there’s an opportunity. We have to do it well and I’m extremely proud to say that we’ve done this extremely well. We are really proud to launch our Entire Rail Journeys program with you tonight.”
Profiles on each of the rail journeys include itineraries, maps, highlights, prices and inclusions, along with details on dining and cabin options.
Agents can also use a tour code to access departure dates and additional information on Entire Travel Group’s website.
In an interview with Traveltalk, Sales and Marketing Director Greg McCallum was asked why luxury rail travel was currently enjoying a surge in popularity.
“I think it’s that old world charm and it’s a throwback to times with a slower pace. It’s also rare, boutique and luxurious. It’s just so special and people who get to go on a trip feel privileged and it always exceeds expectations.
“Australians are also adventurers and explorers and I think traveling by rail is just such an intimate experience.”
As well as producing digital and print versions of the inaugural Entire Rail Journeys brochure, Entire Travel Group has established a dedicated phone line and email (rail@entiretravel.com.au), which agents can use to connect with specialist consultants.
“We are delighted to now take over as the standard-bearer in Australia for epic rail adventures,” added McCallum.
