Proof that the business travel sector is enjoying something of a modest recovery was produced this morning as Eurostar reported a 6% year-on-year rise in passenger numbers for the first half of the year.
The high-speed rail operator - which services London from Brussels, Paris and Lille - also saw sales revenue increase by 18% to £404 million.
The increase was, in part, down to the critical role the company played in repatriating tens of thousands of travellers during the volcanic ash crisis in the spring.
Since the April crisis the company has been lauded by both travel management companies and corporate clients.
However, the sales boost is also testament to Eurostar's resilience after train breakdowns in the freezing winter period forced it to pay out tens of millions in compensation.
Eurostar this morning said the figures underlined a recovery in both the business and leisure travel sectors.
Chief executive Nicolas Petrovic said: "Over the last six months, we have delivered strong growth in both business and leisure bookings.
"As the economic environment has strengthened we have seen an uplift in the business market and an overall increase in the number of passengers travelling.
"Whilst our core routes continue to be busy more and more people are opting to travel further afield and explore new destinations by train."
Petrovic said Eurostar's forward bookings were looking strong and expected the "consumer appetite" for high speed rail to continue to grow.
www.eurostar.com