21 December 2016

Eurostar’s busiest ever December getaway

Eurostar, the high-speed passenger service between the UK and mainland Europe, is set to welcome over 368,000 people during the festive season, a 9% rise compared to the same period last year* in what is expected to be its busiest December ever.
 
Friday 30^th December is the peak day of the Christmas period, with over 37,000 expected to travel between the UK and the continent. Over 19,000 travellers are expected to escape to the continent for a winter break this Friday 23^rd December, making it the most popular day for departures from London.

The weak pound makes this winter the perfect time for shoppers from the continent to enjoy a shopping spree in London, and UK travellers are making the most of continental Christmas festivities in France and Belgium.

Nick Mercer, Commercial Director at Eurostar commented; “Christmas shoppers have been flocking to Paris and London over the last few weeks to soak up the atmosphere and stock up on festive treats. As the holiday season gets underway, there’s always a great atmosphere in our stations and this year our staff have a range of activities lined up to spread the Christmas cheer.”

For those still looking for gift inspiration, Eurostar recently launched its very own e-vouchers allowing the gift of Eurostar travel to be sent to friends and family in just a couple of clicks.  Whether looking to spoil a foodie friend with a trip to Lyon, a loved one in Paris, or a wine enthusiast in Provence,  simply log on to Eurostar.com, select the value of the voucher and send direct to the lucky recipient by email.
 
For more information, to book Eurostar tickets or purchase Eurostar gift vouchers visit www.eurostar.com or call 08432 186 186.
 

Notes to Editors
*From the 21/12/16 to 03/01/17 compared to the 23/12/15 to 05/01/16
 
About Eurostar

1. Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Lyon, Avignon, Marseille and the French Alps.
2. Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways). On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR. LCR’s holding was transferred to the Treasury in 2014, and sold by the UK government to a consortium comprising Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec (CDPQ) and Hermes Infrastructure on 28th May 2015.
3. The current Eurostar train was first introduced into service in 1994 carrying 750 passengers and operating at speeds of up to 300kph.  Since then, the fleet of 28 trains has carried more than 140 million passengers between London and the Continent.  Following their refurbishment these trains will continue to form a core part of the Eurostar fleet.  The new Eurostar e320 will carry around 900 passengers at speeds of up to 320kph.
4. Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, a partnership between Europe’s leading high-speed train operators that is developing simpler ways to book and travel on the fast-expanding, European high-speed rail network.
5. Eurostar and Eurotunnel are entirely separate companies.  Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates vehicle shuttle services and the Channel Tunnel itself. Eurostar is Eurotunnel’s biggest customer.

For more information:
Eurostar Press Office 
020 7843 5500
press.office@eurostar.com