[Bapun Raz]

Rail Europe has opened its Asian flagship retail outlet in Hong Kong in partnership with Sincerity Travel, a leading local agent for train travel in Europe, according to a press release. The company’s expansion into Asia is in response to a significant increase in demand for exploring Europe by train, especially among university students and younger travellers.

Philippe Kirsanow, Sales Director for Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan, Rail Europe said that Hong Kong was selected for Rail Europe’s flagship in Asia, as a model and reference for its other regional markets. “Bookings in Hong Kong were up by 48 per cent from January to April 2011, with a 141 per cent increase in April alone,” Kirsanow said.

Lam Keung, Chairman, Sincerity Travel added, “Train is the only way to really explore and experience Europe, and passes aboard Rail Europe are exceptional, affordable value for young travellers.”

With a focus on university students and youth travel, Sincerity Travel has been Rail Europe’s premier sales agent in Hong Kong for over a decade. The group operates six retail outlets in Hong Kong, one in Macau and one in Guangzhou.

Sincerity Travel’s bookings this year correspond to Rail Europe’s overall sales, up 53 per cent in the first four months and 104 per cent in April, the start of the peak summer season.

Rail Europe, a joint venture of the French National Railways (SNCF) and the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), is the Number One distributor of rail tickets and passes in the world.