RateHawk introduces a train reservation service and strengthens its B2B platform by partnering with Rail Europe, offering train tickets across 13 European countries and offering sustainable travel options.
RateHawk, an online B2B platform for booking hotels, flights, and transfers, has introduced a rail travel booking service to its platform. RateHawk’s partners, travel agents, tour companies and other industry professionals around the world, can now book train tickets for a variety of European destinations. The platform has signed an agreement with Rail Europe, the global reference brand for European rail bookings. This new service complements existing travel options already available on RateHawk, including accommodations, flights, car rentals, and transportation.
The launch of rail service will enable RateHawk partners to book all travel components within a single system. Train tickets can be purchased in 13 European countries including France, Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, Belgium, Luxembourg, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic and Austria.
Fredrick Bonnart, Director of Non-Lodging Supply at Emerging Travel Group, RateHawk’s parent company, commented: Travel agents and professionals can now offer hotel stays with train tickets, providing a sustainable travel option. What’s more, the exciting routes available on RateHawk, such as the stunning Bernina Express and Glacier Express, will make your trip itself an unforgettable experience. ”
“The launch of our rail products coincides with the start of the autumn business season and we expect strong demand from travel management companies (TMCs) booking business travel for their clients.Rail transport is the most environmentally friendly option. With widespread recognition and many companies prioritizing reducing their carbon footprint and incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives into their corporate travel programs, TMC partners will benefit greatly from this new booking service. ”, Fredrik Bonarto added.
The benefit of the new introduction is an intuitive and convenient interface that allows travel professionals to compare daily train ticket options in one window. This feature streamlines the process for travel agents, allowing them to quickly filter options based on customer preferences and easily select the best option for the customer.
Travel professionals have the flexibility to book trips using a variety of payment methods, including paying by card, wire transfer, credit limit or overpayment, or payment with a link option. A particularly important feature for travel professionals is the ability to book train tickets using a credit limit.
Rail Europe’s product portfolio includes: Italo in Italy, Renfe and Iryo in Spain, SBB CFF FFS and Rhätische Bahn in Switzerland, ÖBB in Austria, TGV InOui in France, Rail Delivery Group in the UK and Eurostar in France. Includes major railway companies. , also available on RegioJet in the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, and Czech Republic.
“We have ambitious plans to expand our rail services and are exploring cooperation with rail ticket suppliers in Europe and other continents,” added Fredrik Bonarto.
Björn Bender, CEO of Rail Europe, added: “We are excited to work with RateHawk to make rail travel more accessible to travel professionals around the world. This dynamic partnership builds on our shared commitment to providing seamless travel solutions through advanced technology. At Rail Europe, we believe that rail travel is the best way to explore Europe, not only because of its efficiency, but also because of its positive impact on the environment. We have great confidence in RateHawk’s vision and ability to create the best tools for integrating rail services, and we look forward to working together to shift travel preferences towards more sustainable options. By providing travel agents, we aim to make every journey a memorable experience for travelers.”
According to Phocuswright’s 2024 data, total rail reservations will increase steadily year on year, reaching $112 million in 2022, $147 million in 2023, and $165 million in 2024. It is predicted to reach $1 million. The global research firm also highlights that online rail penetration will increase by 18 percentage points between 2022 and 2030. 2019 and 2023 will be driven by key factors such as technological advances and the environmental benefits of rail, which has a lower carbon footprint compared to other modes of transport.
RateHawk provides a full range of travel services to travel agents, tour companies, TMCs, and other professionals. The B2B platform boasts more than 2.6 million properties worldwide from more than 280 suppliers, including more than 100,000 properties contracted directly. In addition to accommodation, the B2B platform also offers flights from over 400 airlines, transportation in 150 countries, car rentals, and more.
Theodore is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of the TravelDailyNews media network. His responsibilities include business development and long-term opportunity planning for TravelDailyNews.