Travel Pulse
July 14, 2024
By: Harvey Chipkin
Railbookers, a worldwide FIT land tour operator that happens to specialize in rail, is putting more of the world into “worldwide” with the relaunching of New Zealand (which was halted during the pandemic), the introduction of luxury trains in South Africa and the addition of South America. The operator offers programs throughout Europe, Canada, Alaska, Asia and India as well.
The company offers South Africa programs that include journeys aboard Rovos Rail, which features vintage train cars. (Source: Railbookers)
Customized Packages
“We are so much more than rail; we are a one-stop shop for land packages,” said Jim Marini, senior vice president of strategic partnerships. Packages are suggested on Railbookers’ site, and they can all be customized. And any activity or sightseeing – anything from a local day tour to a two- to three-day cooking or food excursion with a guide – can easily be added.
In fact, pre- and post cruise extensions are an important trend and now comprise 33 percent of all U.S. business, Marini said.
The company also has broad and deep relationships with hotel companies and can offer a program featuring a mix of three-, four- and five-star properties, depending on client preferences. And the same goes for trains, with travelers able to upgrade from coach to business, Marini said.
Railbookers relaunched New Zealand itineraries. Pictured, the Northern-Explorer-ascending into the Ruapehu region.
Catering to Advisors
Railbookers programs include Glacier Express rail journeys from Zurich to St. Moritz. courtesy of Railbookers
Railbookers has become easier for advisors and clients to work with, Marini said. The call center is now open seven days a week with the addition of weekends. A newly popular option is three-way calling among advisor, client and Railbookers representative to answer questions about a holiday.
Emergency staff is available 24/7 and staff is on the ground in many places, especially in Europe.
While some rail trips have become very popular and difficult to book, Railbookers has direct partnerships with major rail lines of all kinds – luxury, high-speed, local and iconic, Marini said.
And the company can book seats up to two years in advance and packages through 2026.
Instant Client Quotes
The company offers South Africa programs that include journeys aboard Rovos Rail, which features vintage train cars. courtesy of Railbookers
Another differentiator for the company is that advisors can get instant quotes on the phone with no need to contact a third party. Once an advisor develops a relationship with a Railbookers reservationist they can email that individual themselves. On top of that, every trip element is commissionable.
Railbookers offers advisors a comprehensive roster of sales and marketing tools, including prerecorded training webinars, customizable flyers, digital brochures, social media templates and more. New webinars continue to be produced regularly and the operator presents live educational sessions as well. Advisors can also design their own fam trips at a 20 percent off rate for themselves and up to three companions.
Railbookers is adding itineraries that include Italy’s luxury La Dolce Vita Orient Express train in 2025
Rise in Luxury Rail Vacations
Railbookers is adding itineraries that include Italy’s luxury La Dolce Vita Orient Express train in 2025. courtesy of Railbookers
Luxury rail vacations have become more popular, with options like the Royal Scotsman, the Maharajas’ Express across India and the La Dolce Vita Orient Express train in Italy, launching in 2025, Marini said. These high end trips increase the possibility of lucrative commissions. As of April, the company had seen a year-over-year jump of more than 46 percent in bookings featuring luxury rail.
“The most important thing I try to get across to advisors is our comprehensive inventory, which includes everything but flights,” Marini said.
