TopRail, the UIC working group focused on Tourism Potential of Railways was held in Paris on 12 June. The meeting was attended by railway representatives from the railway operators of Austria, Switzerland, Hungary and Spain as well as representatives from the European and the World Tourist Trains and Trams associations (Fedecrail and Wattrain).
On this occasion, there were also two special guests at the meeting: Mr Gaucha from Transdev and Mr Moreau from the most important luxury cruise trains operator, Belmond.
The group had the opportunity to enjoy a presentation from each of the guests and from Korail about the DZM Train, a very special train which goes from Seoul to the North Korea border.
As this was the first meeting after the first TopRail Forum, the participants had the opportunity to analyse the event. The positive feedback was unanimous and the wish to organise a second TopRail Forum in 2019 validated.
The main tasks to be accomplished in 2018-2019 were presented and approved:
- Collaboration between UIC and the editor Languages du Sud to produce a book with the most impressive tourist trains around the world
- Second TopRail Forum to be held in Italy in spring
- Guidelines on Increasing Rail Attractiveness for Tourism
Over the next few months, the group will work continue working on those three topics. This group is open to all UIC members, so do not hesitate to contact us should you wish to participate.
