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Rail travel is on the rise, transforming into Europe's go-to mode of transportation by seamlessly blending sustainability, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. Join us for an engaging discussion with Bjorn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe, as he sheds light on why train travel is projected to grow from $84 billion to a staggering $128 billion by 2028, outpacing other sectors like river cruising. Bender, a veteran with over two decades in the mobility industry, highlights how rail travel not only enriches travel experiences but also boosts local economies, as train travelers are spending 35% more on hotels and visiting more cities.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Rail Europe's evolution from its founding in 1930s New York to becoming an independent, neutral platform connecting 200+ European train operators
• Growing popularity of "hidden gems" beyond traditional destinations – including Portugal, Slovenia, Budapest, and secondary cities like Lyon instead of Paris
• Technology innovations creating seamless booking experiences across multiple rail carriers
• How competition between rail providers is driving better pricing and service, with fares starting at just €19 between major cities
• The sustainability advantage of rail travel being 15-20 times greener than car transportation
• Luxury and first-class rail experiences seeing 15-25% annual growth as premium travelers discover the benefits of train travel
• Night trains making a comeback with new comfortable options across major European routes

This episode highlights rail travel’s renaissance as a sustainable, convenient, and authentic alternative to other modes of transportation. Whether you’re a sustainability enthusiast, a fan of premium travel, or simply someone seeking an effortless way to explore Europe, trains offer an unbeatable option for your next adventure.  

What journeys could rail travel unlock for you in 2025 and beyond? Tune in and get inspired to see Europe in a whole new way.  

👉 Listen to Rail Travel in  2025 Part 1 Now

🔥 Season 5 Title Sponsors: TravelAI, Stay22, Propellic, Flight Centre, Collette, Flywire, Traveltek and Protect Group

The #1 B2B Travel Podcast Globally. Over 100 Episodes. Listeners in 125 countries. New Episodes Every Weds. Season 5 In Progress.

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