Cross-channel rail operator Eurostar has extended the opening hours of its travel agent support team, and launched a guaranteed boarding service for Business Premier Class passengers.
The opening hours were made half an hour longer following feedback from members of the Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) at a Surface Transport Working Party.
Darren Williams, Eurostar’s head of UK and international sales, said the GTMC members had made “constructive suggestions”, which prompted Eurostar’s agents team to adjust its operational hours.
“We value the trade business and will endeavour to make further adjustments as necessary to strengthen our relationship,” he said.
Eurostar4agents helpdesk is now open for an additional 30 minutes a day – the new opening times are 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
Anne Godfrey, the GTMC’s CEO, said: ”We are delighted that GTMC Partner Eurostar took on board the comments made by GTMC members about trade support and acted speedily on this issue. We look forward to working closely with them in future.”
In another move to improve its business travel service, Eurostar has launched a boarding guarantee for passengers with a Business Premier Class ticket.
It means if passengers arrive early or late for their train, they will be able to board another service without having to join a stand-by queue.
The service is only offered at Eurostar stations, however, and is valid only on the same day of travel as the original booking.
In addition, passengers are not guaranteed to travel in Business Premier – they will be given seats in the higher class where possible, but could end up in either the mid-range Standard Premier Class or economy Standard Class.
Nick Mercer, Eurostar’s commercial director, said: “Business plans can change quickly, which is why we’re committed to offering our Business Premier customers a service that is as flexible as their schedule requires.
“Our new Boarding Guarantee is part of a range of improvements and investments in our Business Premier class in 2011, which will help to ensure it remains the benchmark for short haul business travel.”
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