#Canada #Montreal #Plusgrade #Eurostar #Premium Upgrade

Enhancing the Rail Travel Experience: Plusgrade and Eurostar Partnership

In a notable advancement for train travel, Plusgrade has announced its collaboration with Eurostar, a high-speed rail service connecting major European cities. This partnership introduces the innovative Premium Upgrade program, allowing eligible passengers to bid for upgrades from Standard to Eurostar Plus, which enhances their travel experience with more spacious seating and premium amenities.

The Premium Upgrade initiative exemplifies Plusgrade's commitment to expanding its presence in the rail industry, providing tested supplementary revenue solutions to a global travel market. This program offers Eurostar passengers a unique opportunity for a more personalized and flexible travel experience.

Flexible Upgrade Options

Eligible travelers will receive invitations via email ahead of their journey, allowing them to place bids for category upgrades. Offers can be submitted up to 24 hours before departure, and successful bidders will be notified at least 24 hours in advance. This strategy enables passengers to access premium services at prices that align with their preferences, while Eurostar optimizes the utilization of its premium seating.

The collaboration doesn’t stop here; Eurostar Premier—a service set to deliver an even higher travel experience—will be an addition to the suite of offerings in the coming year.

Ken Harris, founder and CEO of Plusgrade, expressed pride in partnering with Eurostar, a recognized leader in train travel that innovates by providing exceptional experiences to its customers. Harris stated, "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to enhance the traveler experience while generating significant additional revenues for our partners. Together, we give passengers greater opportunities to enjoy premium travel, while assisting Eurostar in optimizing its operations and resources."

François le Doze, Chief Commercial Officer at Eurostar, echoed this sentiment, highlighting their goal to provide the best possible experience for customers. He noted, "Our collaboration with Plusgrade enables a more flexible and tailored approach to upgrades, ensuring our passengers can enjoy premium experiences at prices that suit them. We are excited about the results so far and look forward to enhancing the journey of every traveler."

Global Impact of Mutual Innovation

The Premium Upgrade program is now available to eligible passengers traveling on Eurostar routes connecting key destinations such as London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Looking ahead to 2025, the initiative will expand to include additional cities within Eurostar's growing network. For more detailed information, travelers can visit Eurostar's offers page.

About Plusgrade and Eurostar

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Montreal, Plusgrade has empowered the global travel industry with its leading suite of supplemental revenue solutions. More than 250 companies in airlines, hospitality, cruises, passenger trains, and financial services trust Plusgrade to create meaningful new revenue streams through extraordinary customer experiences, resulting in billions generated across its platform.

On the other hand, Eurostar aims to transport 30 million passengers each year by 2030, establishing itself as a cornerstone of sustainable travel in Europe. With a fleet of 51 trains, Eurostar boasts the largest high-speed international rail network in Western Europe, connecting 28 destinations across Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. In 2023, Eurostar successfully transported 18.6 million passengers, generating approximately €2 billion in sales. Plans are also in motion to acquire up to 50 new trains in 2024.

Eurostar is owned by SNCF Voyages Développement (55.75%), a subsidiary of SNCF Voyageurs, CDPQ (19.31%), SNCB (18.50%), and funds managed by Federated Hermes Infrastructure (6.44%).

For further updates and news, stay tuned to Plusgrade and Eurostar and explore their offerings to enrich your train travel experience.