Rail Europe to set up India arm

Rail Europe -- a joint venture between the French and the Swiss national railways -- which promotes rail tourism in Europe, plans to set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in India.

The rail tour operator currently operates in the country through a liaison office. The move follows its increased focus on attracting Indian tourists both in the leisure and the business travel segments.

Rail Europe also plans substantial investments in the country to establish the subsidiary and popularise its various travel schemes in India for a targeted expansion.

As part of the expansion plan, the company will be tying up with leading travel agents, like Travel Corporation of India, Cox & Kings, Thomas Cook, SOTC, Kuoni, among others to sell its tickets. It is also approaching small players in the segment, who would facilitate in promoting the passes.

Rail Europe is also getting into education and training of travel agents to create awareness and market its products well. For this, the company will establish a B2B website in the country and create a pool of sub-agents through it.

The company is also looking at approaching Indian Railways to forge a partnership in promoting its rail passes online.

According to Gopi R Iengar, area manager, India and South Asia, Rail Europe, the company sold about 68,000 Rail Europe tickets and passes in 2005.

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