On 14 and 15 October 2024, UIC’s TopRail initiative brought together key stakeholders for a meeting and technical visit in Vall de Núria, Spain. Hosted by Catalonian Railways (FGC), the event was part of TopRail’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism through rail travel, gathering experts from international railways, tourism organisations and industry professionals to explore best practices in combining tourism with rail transport.
The first day of the event kicked off in Barcelona with a transfer to Ribes Enllaç, followed by a scenic journey aboard the Núria Rack Railway to the Vall de Núria Monastery. Attendees participated in a guided tour, including presentations on the area’s ecology and cable car system. The formal TopRail meeting in the afternoon allowed members to discuss recent developments, such as updates on the TopRail Classification Task Force Implementation Plan.
Topics of discussion ranged from how to improve the customer experience for rail tourists to sustainable development in rail tourism. Special attention was given to the unique positioning of rail services in scenic and remote areas, such as Núria, and the operational challenges and opportunities they present.
UIC members, including representatives from Japan Railways (JR Group), the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV), the National Spanish Railway Network (RENFE), the Italian Railways (Trenitalia), the Moroccan National Railway Office (ONCF), the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and representatives from the European Federation of Museum and Tourist Railways (Fedecrail), shared insights on how their respective organisations are integrating tourism with regular rail operations to boost passenger numbers while contributing to the sustainability of tourism.
Enhancing rail tourism
Presentations focused on the implementation of flexible and tourist-friendly services. For instance, Pasquale Cancellara from Fondazione FS Italiane showcased Italy’s success in reviving historical rail lines to attract tourists, emphasising slow tourism and environmental sustainability. Discussions on the role of digital tools and real-time information further highlighted the growing importance of technology in providing seamless travel experiences for tourists.
During the event, TopRail Chair, Carles Casas, highlighted the 10-year anniversary of the first technical visit by the TopRail initiative, which also took place in Núria. Casas emphasised the forward-thinking vision of the group of experts who, even a decade ago, recognised the importance of rail tourism. Today, this concept has gained increasing importance due to the prominence of sustainable tourism. Casas underscored how rail has become a creator of unique experiences and a key ally for regional development and the tourism market. This evolution was clearly reflected in the latest UIC brochure, published to mark World Tourism Day, which highlighted rail’s crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism and modal shift to eco-friendly transport solutions. For more information, you can access the recently published brochure here: UIC Highlights Rail’s Role in Sustainable Tourism.
Technical visit
The second day included a visit to the Ribes Workshops and a return journey on the Núria Rack Railway, allowing participants to see firsthand the maintenance operations and logistical challenges of running a scenic railway in a remote mountain area. These technical insights reinforced the value of well-maintained, specialised equipment for enhancing both passenger safety and the tourism experience.
The TopRail meeting in Vall de Núria demonstrated the strength of international collaboration in creating sustainable tourism solutions through railways. By sharing best practices, exploring innovative solutions and discussing future goals, participants left the meeting with a deeper understanding of how rail can serve as a cornerstone for sustainable tourism development across Europe and beyond.
For more information about the TopRail initiative and future meetings, please visit UIC’s TopRail project page at https://toprail.org/, as well as LinkedIn andInstagram.
