Eurostar reports a resilient performance in the first half of 2012
- Passenger numbers up 2% to 4.8 million in H1 2012
- Sales revenues up 1% to £425 million
- Growth in passenger numbers and sales revenues driven by leisure traffic
Eurostar, the high speed rail service between the UK and mainland Europe, today reported continuing growth in passenger numbers and a resilient performance in sales revenues in the first half of 2012. Sales revenues remained robust growing by 1% to £425 million in H1 2012 from £421 million in the same period last year.
The growth over the first half of the year has been driven by leisure travel as customers on both sides of the channel continue to enjoy leisure breaks. The traditional European summer close-down for business is kicking in earlier as all eyes turn to the Olympic celebrations in London.”
Travel on Eurostar continues to be a major attraction for international travellers coming to London with the number of passengers originating outside Europe growing by 11% in the first half of 2012 compared with last year. This was driven in part by a strong increase in the number of passengers originating from the US and the Far East who see a trip on Eurostar as an integral part of the European tour – particularly in an Olympic year.
As a sponsor of the London 2012 Games, Eurostar is playing a key role in bringing both spectators and athletes to the Games. In addition to transporting the French and Belgian Olympic and Paralympic teams, Eurostar is also staging ‘Traction’ an original one-day summer arts festival on Saturday 14 July as part of the London 2012 Festival activities.