Following a significant increase in sales, Fred Holidays is broadening its rail offerings to include options in the UK and Ireland.
- The travel operator reports a remarkable 32% rise in year-on-year rail sales, alongside a 15% growth in bookings.
- High-value bookings are on the rise, with 40% exceeding £4,000, and 30% going beyond £5,000, highlighting customer investment in premium experiences.
- The Bernina Express remains a favourite among travellers, seeing a substantial 50% increase in interest compared to last year.
- New offerings for 2025 include luxurious options such as La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy and exclusive rail and cruise combinations.
Fred Holidays has announced a strategic expansion of its rail holiday portfolio, now incorporating destinations in the UK and Ireland, following a year marked by significant growth. The company reports an impressive 32% year-on-year increase in rail sales, accompanied by a 15% uptick in bookings. This expansion is part of a broader initiative to offer more diverse travel experiences to its clientele.
The operator has successfully captured the interest of travellers seeking premium options, as evidenced by high-value bookings. Notably, 40% of their rail holiday bookings are valued over £4,000, while 30% exceed £5,000. Additionally, the most expensive booking recorded this year stands at a staggering £47,000 for two travellers, indicating a robust market for upscale travel experiences.
Among the destinations, the Bernina Express holds a distinct appeal, showing a 50% increase in popularity compared to the previous year. This surge underscores its status as a client favourite, closely followed by other luxury train journeys such as the Glacier Express. These trains not only provide transport but encapsulate the essence of scenic and luxurious travel.
The 2025 itinerary is set to enthral with a blend of tradition and opulence. Highlights include the newly introduced La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy, offering overnight stays both before and after the rail journey. Moreover, luxury packages that integrate rail journeys with high-end cruises are gaining traction. These include a combination of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with Explora Journeys for a trip from Istanbul to Venice, with some itineraries extending to include the Monaco Grand Prix.
Fred Holidays continues to incentivise travel agents with notable earnings opportunities, providing up to £1,000 per new booking as part of their largest-ever trade incentive scheme. This initiative, running until the end of October, also includes a variety of One4All vouchers based on booking values, encouraging further engagement with their expanding range of luxurious rail adventures.
Fred Holidays’ strategic enhancement of its rail offerings is poised to capture the evolving demands of luxury travel enthusiasts.
