TUI Group, the world’s leading tourism group, is powering an upgraded tours and activities platform for Eurostar, the high-speed rail link between the UK and mainland Europe. The agreement with Eurostar continues TUI’s strong and strategic growth in tours and activities, including a steadily increasing number of partnerships with high-profile European businesses.
The enhanced version of the digital platform now enables Eurostar customers to choose from over 5,000 excursions, activities and tickets, available in all Eurostar destinations. In the UK there are hundreds of activities in London alone, but customers can also book excursions in Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff and Edinburgh. There are also experiences available throughout France, the Netherlands and Belgium, including options in the key city destinations of Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels, as well as Versailles, the French Riviera, Rotterdam and Antwerp for those looking to travel on to Eurostar’s connecting destinations.
Henry Ledden, Head of Digital, Eurostar, said: “As people start planning their first trips after lockdowns, they are looking for new experiences. Our updated activities platform offers a selection of the best things to do across our destinations making it even easier to plan an escape as travel restrictions ease.”
The existing tours and activities agreement between TUI and Eurostar started in 2018, but the custom-built digital distribution platform is part of a wider collaboration that sees TUI become Eurostar’s preferred Tours & Activities partner. In addition to developing the digital platform, TUI is also providing all 5,000 excursions, activities and tickets.
“Eurostar was our first international rail partner, and we are very proud to grow our collaboration, providing a digital solution to deliver more great experiences for their customers.” Commented Nishank Gopalkrishnan, Chief Business Officer of TUI Musement, the Tours & Activities division of TUI Group. “This is also further recognition of the growth of our supply portfolio, globally and within Europe, and the scalability of our digital distribution solutions.”
A diverse selection of experiences is available, from skip the line options at world famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Stonehenge and Harry Potter Studios, to must-do activities, including boating along Amsterdam’s canals, Belgian beer tasting and the Downton Abbey tour. Available prior to travel or while in destination, experiences can be booked via the Eurostar website and app, with unique offers and discounts available exclusively to Eurostar customers.
About TUI Musement
TUI Musement is a leading Tours & Activities business that combines a scalable digital platform with local service delivery in more than 140 countries worldwide. Available in all major holiday and city destinations to travellers around the world, including the 28 million annual TUI customers, there are currently more than 170,000 experiences, including excursions, activities, tickets and transfers. These are distributed through the Musement and TUI websites and apps, and B2B partners, including the world’s leading OTAs, tour operators, cruise lines and travel companies. TUI Musement is one of the major growth areas of TUI Group.
About TUI Group
TUI Group is the world’s leading tourism group and operates worldwide. The Group is headquartered in Germany. TUI’s share is listed on the FTSE 250, the benchmark index of the London Stock Exchange, and on the Regulated Unofficial Market in Germany. The TUI Group offers integrated services from a single source for its 28 million customers, 21 million of them in the European national companies. The entire tourism value chain is covered under one roof. This includes over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 15 cruise ships, from the MS Europa and the MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships at Marella Cruises in Great Britain. The Group also includes leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms across Europe, five airlines with more than 100 modern medium and long-haul aircraft and over 1,000 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels, cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in holiday destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a digital company.
Global responsibility for sustainable economic, ecological and social action is at the core of our corporate culture. The TUI Care Foundation, initiated by TUI, focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards with projects in 25 countries. It thus supports holiday destinations in their development. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.
About Eurostar
Eurostar is owned by three shareholders: SNCF (55%), Patina Rail LLP, a consortium comprising Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (“CDPQ”) and funds managed by the Infrastructure team of Federated Hermes (40%), and SNCB (5%).
