About

Summary

International Rail Packages typically have a historic focus to recapture the pioneering era of luxury train travel in exotic locations and are almost exclusively upmarket, targeting high spending tourists.   Acorn was commissioned by Mintel to research and write this specialist niche market report on International Rail Packages to profile the leading rail package operators, their trains and journeys; how the product is marketed and sold; who the rail consumer is, and what the future holds for the sector.

Our Approach

Acorn undertook extensive research to compile the report, firstly exploring how the sector has developed from the first rail packages offered by Thomas Cook in the early 19th century.  The leading companies and organisations operating in the sector were profiled and detailed information about the trains and their journeys across all sectors of luxury, first class and enthusiast was summarised.  How the product reached the market was explored and the rail consumer demographics were outlined by market share. 

Outcome 

Acorn’s report found that although in its relative infancy, there has been considerable growth in demand for and supply of international rail supply over the past 10 years.  Destinations were found to benefit from the presence of a luxury/first class tourist train service on account of high spending passengers, and profitable collaborations between train operators and service providers such as food and beverage suppliers.  The growth in train travel on account of their ‘green credentials’ was also forecast to have a beneficial effect on the industry. 

Nevertheless, the industry was currently experiencing challenging times with several recent notable failures as a result of the global economic crisis.  Looking ahead, the market was predicted to recover slowly, driven by the European market and followed by the North American market.