This development expands access to group bookings beyond select tour operators like Collette, Gate 1, and EF World Journeys, empowering smaller agencies to easily manage client requests.
According to Rail Europe COO Valentina Cesani, the majority of requests to open up group bookings originate from the U.S., with Australia following closely. The tool's key advantage for smaller agencies lies in its streamlined process, enabling direct translation of client requests into the Rail Europe system.
"It eliminates the need for intermediaries, minimizes response times, and reduces the risk of misinterpretations," Cesani explained, emphasizing that multiple steps increase the likelihood of errors or lost information.
This development addresses a significant challenge for travel advisors: booking rail travel in Europe. Heidi Podjavorsek, Sales and Marketing Vice President at Signature Travel Network, acknowledged the inherent difficulties, stating, "Advisors generally struggle with rail bookings, often relying on tour operators to integrate rail seamlessly into their offerings."
The complexity arises from the fragmented nature of European rail systems, with each country operating independently. Rail Europe, as the leading consolidator of rail services across 44 countries, aims to simplify the booking process.
"While booking rail a la carte suits some, it's not feasible for everyone," Podjavorsek noted. "Most agencies don't handle high volumes of rail bookings."
However, the lack of a suitable mechanism for smaller and mid-sized agencies to book groups has been a significant barrier until now.
Designed for groups of 25 passengers or more, RailGroupEasy allows advisors to book fares and add ancillary services such as meals, door-to-door luggage transport, and station assistance. To support agents, Rail Europe has provided training materials on its agent portal and plans to launch a premium support line in 2025.
"We aim to ensure that not only large players but also medium and small agencies receive adequate support and have the flexibility to choose their desired level of assistance," Cesani stated.
While Rail Europe provides commissions on group bookings from large contract accounts, RailGroupEasy offers net rates, allowing agents to package and price their services accordingly.
Cesani acknowledged the inherent complexities of rail travel, particularly group bookings, which require significant effort, time, and intricate logistical planning. Following pandemic-related restrictions on group bookings, Rail Europe has decided to open this service to a wider market in 2024.
