Recent improvements in rail travel have seen a huge boost in passenger journeys across Western Europe, reaching a record high of 1.65 billion in the UK between 2014-2015.
As onboard hospitality undergoes an exciting period of transformation, with an increased emphasis on innovation and the passenger experience, the sector’s leading suppliers will come together at this year’s World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE®) to showcase new ways for rail operators to gain higher levels of customer satisfaction as well as increasing loyalty and revenue.
With factors from the rise of celebrity chefs,wider culinary choice onboard to thepower of social mediaand the ongoing challenge of choosing between mass-produced goods or local provenance, the onboard catering sector is changing rapidly. WTCE exhibitors will showcase exclusive product launches at the show and highlight the ways in which rail companies can set their services apart from other leading travel operators in this competitive time.
Representing some of the industry’s leadingrail service companies including Rail Gourmet, Cremonini and JLV, the International Rail Catering Group (IRCG)willreturn to WTCE this yearfollowing its successful debut in 2016. Speaking about the event, Michelangelo LaMalfa, President of the IRCG, said: “WTCE proved to be a great place to network with clients and suppliers alike. We were pleased to receivea number of new member applications to our organisation following the show and return to this year’s event with both LSG and Newrest newly onboard.â€
“Rail companies clearly understand the correlation between a great onboard service and customer satisfaction levels – and that higher satisfaction leads to increased loyalty and revenues,†added LaMalfa. “WTCE offers the opportunity for rail operators to discover new onboard opportunities and meet suppliers that can help them compete with travel rivals for an increased share of middle and short haul passenger volumes.â€
Joining the IRCG in Hamburg this April, WTCE’s popular Rail Trail will once again return to help visitors navigate the show floor for the most relevant exhibitors showcasing products or services relevant to the rail sector. The Trail, currently features more than 160companies, including Kaelis; one of the world’s leading providers of on-board products, services and solutions for the air and rail industries; Egret Aviation, a manufacturer of galley equipment for air and rail services; Dr. Schar AG; the European market leader of gluten-free products; Butlers Chocolates, Ireland’s eminent producer of premium luxury chocolates and confectionery; and Colpac Ltd, a British designer and manufacturer of food packaging currently celebrating its 80th anniversary.
Speaking about the renewed focus on rail at WTCE 2017, Syreeta Tranfield, Exhibition Director, said: “Consumers have come to expect so much more from travel operators. It is no longer just about getting to their destination but the experienceduring the journey. Rail operators have acknowledged this demand and are in turn assessing the touch points that will result in a positive journey that passengers will remember.
“The increased level of interest from rail suppliersin exhibiting as well as feedback from visitors who want to see more products and services suitable for the rail industry is further evidence of the changing nature of the sector. WTCE reflects the interests of both suppliers and operators within the rail sector and brings together the best onboard expertise and innovation relevant across the rail, air, cruise and coach industries. We’re delighted that the IRCG and Rail Trail will once again take their place at WTCE 2017 and look forward to welcoming rail operators to discover how to transform the passenger experience.â€
WTCE 2017, which takes place at the Hamburg Messe from 4-6 April, will provide unmissable insights, innovations and networking opportunities for those in the onboard catering and passenger comfort industries. It is co-located with Aircraft Interiors Expo, which features more than 500 exhibitors and is free for those registered to attend WTCE.
For more information on exhibiting at the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo 2017, please visit http://bit.ly/2frzyQz. To register to visit, go to http://bit.ly/2fWacX7.
For further press information please contact Beki McVicker or
Lesley Foottit at Storm Communications on +44 (0) 207 240 2444 or
email wtce@stormcom.co.uk.
About Passenger Experience Week
Three leading events – the Passenger Experience Conference, Aircraft Interiors Expo and World Travel Catering and Onboard Services Expo – one week, one destination. Delivering content, driving innovation and developing connections to transform your business. Showcasing the latest in cabin interiors, inflight entertainment and connectivity, passenger comfort, catering and travel retail to create the ultimate passenger experience. Taking place 3-6 April 2017 in Hamburg, the events attract more than 18,000 visitors including 2,000 buyers and decision makers from major scheduled, regional and charter airlines and rail operators and offers the opportunity to meet face to face with suppliers and manufacturers covering the full spectrum of the industry. https://www.passengerexperienceweek.com
About Reed Exhibitions
Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events organiser, with over 500 events in 30 countries. In 2015 Reed brought together over seven million event participants from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa and organised by 40 fully staffed offices. Reed Exhibitions serves 43 industry sectors with trade and consumer events. It is part of the RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries.https://www.reedexpo.com
WTCE Press Office
Beki McVicker / Lesley Foottit
Storm Communications
T: 020 7240 2444
E: wtce@stormcom.co.uk
