The New European Economy Awards has named the Eurail Group the best Sustainable Travel Provider 2010, it has been announced.
The awards recognise excellence, achievements and best practice in the international finance and commerce arenas.
Utrecht, Netherlands-based Eurail Group manages and markets the Eurail Pass on behalf of its stakeholders, and aims to educate business and leisure travellers about the advantages of travelling by train in Europe.
Europe’s railway network consists of more than 225,000 miles of track and provides travellers with a cost-efficient and environmentally responsible alternative to travelling via aeroplane or car.
Travelling by rail uses two to three times less energy than journeys by road, according to the Awards’ website. On a journey from Paris to Frankfurt, for example, an average of 116 kilograms of CO2 is emitted per passenger when travelling by car, 67 kilograms by plane and only 17 kilograms on an Inter City Express train.
Commenting on the award, Ana Dias e Seixas, Eurail’s marketing director, said: "We are delighted to accept this award for the second time because we want to be recognised not only as the market leader in European Rail Passes, but also for our environmentally responsible approach to tourism. In addition, we hope more business orientated travellers will consider the advantages of Eurail Pass travel.
"Potential customers have a tendency to compare their local train facilities with the European railway network, however, this can create misconceptions. Here at the Eurail Group, we will endeavour to spread the message about the sustainability of European rail travel for both present and future generations."
The company recently reported strong results for 2010. Last year the number of Eurail passengers increased by 11.9 per cent from 2009, totalling 427,000.
August was a record month for Eurail Pass sales. Sales in the Pacific area increased by 27 per cent compared to 2009, Asia by 20 per cent and South America by 33 per cent. Sales remained flat in Canada and the US; however emerging markets such as Brazil, India and China were showing positive signs of growth.
