TopRail Tourist-Friendly Awards

TopRail Initiative

TopRail (Tourism Opportunities for Railways) is an initiative by the International Union of Railways (UIC) that promotes and develops rail tourism worldwide. It aims to position rail transport as a sustainable, comfortable, and attractive option for tourists, fostering cooperation among railway operators, tourism boards, and stakeholders.

TopRail’s objectives include:

• Encouraging railway companies to improve their tourism-related services.
• Highlighting rail travel as an essential part of the tourism experience.
• Supporting best practices and innovative tourism products in the railway sector.
• TopRail organises events, discussions, and projects, including the TopRail Awards, to recognize excellence in railway tourism services and infrastructure.

See more information about TopRail Initiative here.

Classification and Categorisation system for Tourist-friendly Railway Services and Experiences

The Classification and Categorisation system developed within the TopRail sector serves as a framework to assess railway services and infrastructure based on their suitability for tourism. It defines key elements of the passenger journey and outlines the criteria for the TopRail Awards.
The system organises the elements of a rail tourism experience into separate, distinct components, which are then separately assessed, ensuring a structured approach to evaluation. It also provides checklists and scoring methods to assess the quality and impact of each service or infrastructure component.

See more information here.

Tourist-Friendly Railway Services and Experiences Awards

What are the TopRail Tourist-Friendly Awards?

The awards seek to recognise and elevate efforts by rail operators that enhance the experience of rail tourists by creating services and infrastructures that are user-friendly, innovative, and aligned with sustainable tourism practices.

Who can participate?

The awards are open to UIC members. Companies can submit one application for each category.

What are the categories?

Since the tourist experience consists of multiple interdependent elements, the evaluation process takes a holistic approach. However, for clarity, the experience is segmented into six key categories that will be able to measure using T-F categorisation system plus one global category for “Best Rail Tourism Initiative or Product.”

The categories are:

• Tourist-friendly rolling stock, service and on-board experience Short Distance (journeys up to 2.5 hours)
• Tourist-friendly rolling stock, service and on-board experience Long Distance (journeys over 2.5 hours).
• Tourist-friendly railway Line
• Tourist-friendly small railway stations
• Tourist-friendly large/main railway station
• Tourist-friendly railway station Lounge
• Best Rail Tourism Initiative or Product

How to Apply?

Click on each category to read the description. If your proposal fits the general criteria, click on the corresponding button under the description to go to the application form. Read carefully the instructions and keep in mind that the forms allow you to enclose links to pictures, videos, social media, etc., that can support your nomination.

For your convenience, we are adding PDF worksheets so that you can collect the necessary information before starting the questionnaire. Kindly use the PDF forms as worksheets only to gather data; they are not to be submitted but can be used as a reference or for copy-pasting when you fill out the questionnaire.

Submission forms:

Tourist-Friendly rolling stock, service and on-board experience

This award recognises coaches and/or trains that enhance the travel experience with innovative services and experiences on board. From panoramic windows and comfortable seating to accessible facilities and onboard amenities, this category celebrates designs that make rail journeys unforgettable. Whether through heritage restorations, sustainable solutions, or modern features, nominees in this category exemplify how rolling stock and on board services can elevate rail tourism worldwide.

Tourist-friendly Railway Lines

This award recognises the vision and effort of companies that reimagine their rail routes, showcasing their tourist potential and creating added value for leisure travellers.

Nominees in this category seamlessly combine functionality with breathtaking landscapes, remarkable cultural heritage, and/or unique local experiences along the route. Whether by providing access to iconic attractions or implementing innovative strategies to highlight the tourist value of their regions, and make their tourist attractions more accessible, these railway lines go the extra mile to captivate travellers.

A tourist-friendly railway line reflects thoughtful planning - such as well-coordinated timetables, convenient stops, and engaging communication of the route’s attractions. These efforts enhance the travel experience and invite passengers to discover the charm of their destinations in a way only rail travel can deliver.

This category honours railway lines that inspire tourists to explore the world by train, celebrating the creativity and dedication that turns a rail journey into a destination in itself.

Tourist-Friendly Railway Stations

This award recognises rail stations that go above and beyond to create seamless, hassle-free experiences for travellers. A tourist-friendly station isn’t just a transit hub for commuters—it’s a gateway to exploration, offering services and facilities that cater to one-time visitors’ needs while showcasing local culture and hospitality.

Nominees in this category excel in accessibility, clear signage, and seamless connections, making journeys smoother and more enjoyable. From welcoming architecture and sustainable design to unique amenities like cultural displays, local cuisine, or tailored travel information, these stations enrich the travel experience and leave a lasting impression.

Whether nestled in bustling cities or scenic rural areas, railway stations play a key role in making rail travel memorable, fostering a sense of place, and encouraging tourism. Large stations serve as major transit hubs, connecting long-distance, regional, and international travellers, while small stations are vital links for local and regional traffic, often providing access to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Both types of stations contribute uniquely to enhancing the rail travel experience.

Tourist-Friendly Railway Station Lounge

This award highlights exceptional railway station lounges that redefine comfort and convenience for travellers. A tourist-friendly lounge provides more than a waiting area—it offers a welcoming retreat where passengers can relax, recharge, and plan their journeys.

Nominees in this category excel in creating an inviting atmosphere through thoughtful design, premium amenities, and seamless services. From comfortable seating and local culinary offerings to accessible facilities and digital conveniences like Wi-Fi and charging stations, these lounges set a new standard for traveller satisfaction.

Whether tailored for luxury, family needs, or cultural immersion, these spaces reflect the railway’s commitment to enhancing the overall travel experience, turning a stop into a memorable part of the journey.

Global category: best rail tourist product or initiative

The Global category looks to highlight initiatives and tourist products that contribute to enhance the tourist traveller experience and create awareness of rail tourism as the preferred way of exploring destinations.

This award celebrates outstanding achievements that create unforgettable experiences and transform the way travellers experience rail journeys. It recognizes initiatives and products that go beyond traditional offerings. Whether it’s a groundbreaking innovation, an immersive cultural offering, or an exceptional service enhancement, this category honours efforts that elevate rail travel into a memorable and meaningful adventure.

Nominees in this category stand out for their creativity, customer-centric approach, and commitment to excellence. From unique travel experiences, inspiring partnerships, immersive experiences, to initiatives that improve accessibility, sustainability, inclusion or service quality, the “Best Rail Tourism Product or Initiative” award highlights projects that elevate rail tourism and makes it more attractive for global audiences, setting new benchmarks for the industry.

How do we judge?

The panel will review replies to the check list, which assesses how rail operators take tourist’s needs into account through thoughtful adaptions and/or innovative solutions that improve comfort, convenience and accessibility through on-board service, enhancing the experience and elevating rail tourism as a memorable way to explore a destination.

Nominations must comply with all of standard requirements and at least half of the excellence requirements. Links to pictures, video, social media posts, websites or other documents can be added to each box to support the nomination.

In case of a tie-in, the panel will take into account other evidence submitted in the Optional section of the application form.

Please read carefully and fill in the information required in each section.

Judging Process and Evaluation Criteria:

The TopRail Awards aim to highlight and celebrate outstanding contributions to rail tourism, reinforcing the role of trains as a key component of sustainable and memorable travel experiences.

First Round
For categories 1-6, the evaluation follows a checklist-based approach, ensuring that candidates meet a predefined excellence threshold.

For category 7, criteria are determined based on specific tourism impact factors.

Selection Process
The UIC conducts an initial review based on the established criteria.

Shortlisted candidates are forwarded to the jury.

No more than 2-3 finalists per category are selected. There will be at least one finalist in each category, leading to a total of 5-10 finalists.

Second Round
Finalists will present a 10 min pitch before the jury.

Additional aspects evaluated in this round include:

• Impact (contribution to tourism and sustainability)
• Clarity (effectiveness of the project’s presentation and implementation)

For the Tourist-friendly categories, the jury will check that submissions comply with the requirements for the Excellence tourist-friendly category, as indicated in each form.

• In case of a tie-in, evidence of innovation, environmental sustainability, cooperation & partnerships and inclusion will be taken into account. (See forms for detailed criteria)
• For the Global category, the jury will examine evidence supporting the contribution of the initiative or product to the wider impact of rail tourism, assessing innovation, environmental sustainability, cooperation & partnerships and inclusion in each nomination. (See form for detailed criteria and weight)

The Jury

Ana Lafuente	Ana Lafuente is Head of Area in the General Subdirectorate of Strategy and Services to the Tourism Sector in the Spanish Institute of Tourism, Turespaña. Between 2019 and 2024 she was Director of the Spanish Tourism Office in Guangzhou, China. Within her administrative career she has also held positions in the Secretary of State for Communication in the Presidency of the Government. Previously she worked as a translator, interpreter and university lecturer. In 2008 she began studying Chinese language and culture, with a special interest in intercultural communication. With a degree in Translation and Interpreting and a Master’s Degree in Integrated Communication, she has completed numerous studies on communication, public speaking, non-verbal communication, emotional intelligence, coaching and Neurolinguistic Programming. She also speaks English, German and Italian, and is currently studying Japanese.
Björn Bender	Björn Bender joined Rail Europe as Executive Chairman & CEO in November 2022. He is a mobility expert with a 20-year experience in the sector, and brought his rail expertise, customer centricity and spirit of innovation to the company. Before joining Rail Europe, Björn was Head of Innovation, Research and Incubation at Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), prior to which he led the companyʼs business unit New Mobility Services. He is a regular guest lecturer at the University of St. Gallen (CH) and a member of the advisory board of the Institute of Mobility. Furthermore he founded Mobility Allstars e.V., a non-profit association pursuing the goal of accelerating the mobility transition in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Björn is 44 years old and he has a daughter. He holds a Masterʼs degree in general management, majoring in tourism and transport.
Vanessa Pérez	Vanessa Pérez Miranda is a lawyer specialised in international business with a master’s in international tourism by the Pantheon Sorbonne University. She has more than 15 years of experience in managing projects focused on innovation and internationalisation mainly in the railway sector. As responsible for customer service and quality of tourism trains of the Spanish Railways for 4 years, she became a senior expert on tourism by rail. Now she is in charge of UIC TopRail, whose aim is to enhance the visibility of tourism opportunities for railways. She is also responsible for the UIC sector dedicated to Commuter and Regional Train services and coordinator of the UIC groups of railway experts on Customer Experience and Accessibility, also run by the UIC Passenger Department.
Freek Bos	Freek Bos is the CEO of Rover, the leading Dutch passenger advocacy organisation dedicated to improving public transportation in the Netherlands. He has been actively involved in the public transport sector since his student years. Bos studied political science and spatial planning, equipping him with a strong foundation in public policy and urban mobility. His expertise spans public transport policy, European Union affairs, and sustainable development. He was also a member of the Management Board of the European Passengers’ Federation (EPF), where he now holds the position of advisor of the board. Bos advocates for a seamless, unified public transport system, emphasizing the need for integrated ticketing and better connections between different modes of transport.
Prof. Santana Quintero	Professor Santana Quintero has contributed to conserving precious world heritage sites worldwide thanks to his innovative digital documentation methods. He is cross-appointed in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, both in the Faculty of Engineering and Design at Carleton University. Also, Carleton Immersive Media Studio Lab (CIMS) faculty member. Besides his academic work in Canada, he served as the immediate past Secretary-General of the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), treasurer of ICOMOS Canada, and he is one the Honorary President of the ICOMOS Scientific Committee on Heritage Documentation (CIPA). He has collaborated on several international projects in heritage documentation for The Getty Conservation Institute and UNESCO, among others. In recent years, he was awarded a Doctorate Honoris Causa from the University of Liege (Belgium) and the Association of Preservation Technology College of Fellows membership.
Maria Gusarova	Maria Gusarova is a Senior Advisor in the Passenger Department of the International Union of Railways (UIC). Through the Station Managers Global Group network, she contributes to international knowledge exchange on the transformation of railway stations and the implementation of transit-oriented development, promoting best practices across borders. With a background in urban planning, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to sustainable transport development, advocating for equitable access and user-centered design.

Application Deadline: All projects/initiatives must be submitted by 24 July, 2025

Presentation Ceremony: 16 October 2025, at the UIC HQ in Paris, France

Contact

For any questions you can send an email to: toprail at uic.org