News

Rail operator Eurostar has confirmed a successful start to the year in business terms, with first-half sales increasing by 25%.

Overall passenger traffic rose by 18% to 4.63m passengers as customers took advantage of Eurostar's new high-speed line from St Pancras station to the Channel Tunnel.

The operator's quicker service to Paris means that it is now presenting serious competition to airlines such as British Airways and Air France, reports Bloomberg.

Guillaume Pepy, president of Eurostar, said: 'Environmental considerations, the reduced journey times and a strong punctuality record are leading increasing numbers of people to choose Eurostar.'

The company could see its sales improve further from today (16 July) as tickets go on sale for direct services to ski destinations for the 2008-09 winter season.

Connections to locations in the French Alps, such as Courchevel, La Plagne, Tignes, Meribel and Les Arcs, will begin operating on 20 December.

Another development this year will be the addition of an 18th daily service between London and Paris on Mondays to Thursdays from 8 September.

Opodo cheap travel, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!