Train travel doubles in popularity among holidaymakers
Belgian holidaymakers are increasingly choosing to travel by train, according to the association of Flemish travel agents (VVR). Agencies sold twice as many train journeys for July and August 2024 as for the same period last year.
The number of train journeys sold in the first half of 2024 was also 25 per cent higher than in the first half of 2023 and 44 per cent higher than in 2022.
“We have seen for several years that holidaymakers are more concerned with sustainability and with travel experiences. The journey seems to have become at least as important as the holiday destination,” said Koen van den Bosch of the VVR, which represents more than 600 travel companies in Flanders and Brussels.
At the same time, options for train travel have increased, with more high-speed trains, more connections between cities and more night trains.
Travel agents sold 131 per cent more train journeys for July and August than last summer. The share of air holidays has remained stable, as have car holidays. Cruises are more popular than last year, with an increase of one fifth.
#FlandersNewsService | The Eurostar terminal at London St Pancras station © PHOTO HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP
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