Eurostar will bring Team GB to the 2024 Paris Olympics next summer – in what its chief executive expects will be the sugar company’s busiest time ever. iron.
The Trans-Channel railway company connects London St Pancras International with Paris Gare du Nord in two hours and 15 minutes.
Speaking exclusively for independenceGwendoline Cazenave, CEO of Eurostar Group, said: “It is a challenge, because there will be a huge influx of tourists and teams, fans, families and customers from all over the world. — even more than a typical summer.”
She promised “there will be more staff at the stations to welcome the teams, more staff on board so they can have a good travel experience on board”.
For the current summer, trains from London to Paris are extremely busy – there were only a few seats left this past weekend and fares have gone up as well. The logistical challenges presented by Brexit and the UK’s claim to be considered a “third country” have put pressure on Eurostar facilities.
The 2024 Olympics begin on Friday, July 26 and continue until Sunday, August 11.
The partnership was officially announced by Andy Anson, chief executive officer of the British Olympic Association (BOA). “Our great athletes will be able to make the most of the daily direct trains between London and Paris, where next year’s Olympic Games will be held,” he said.
“Performance has always been at the heart of our plans and this partnership means we can offer our Olympic athletes the comfort, flexibility and unparalleled service that the Eurostar Group offers. always provide.”
In all recent Olympics except London 2012, members of Team GB – as well as BOA officials – traveled by air. Dozens of flights a day operate from UK airports to Paris, but Eurostar was chosen instead – in part because of its environmental credentials.
Ms Cazenave said: “The Paris Games aim to be the greenest ever, so we are delighted to support British Olympic athletes by giving them a sustainable journey. as possible between London and Paris.
“We are the greenest, faster. We will bring the teams to the heart of Paris, ready for the matches.”
Eurostar will also partner with ParalympicsGB for events in Paris from August 28 to September 8, 2024. Eurostar Group CEO said: “We really want to promote accessibility. close by.”
She says Eurostar faces accessibility challenges at its main terminals: London St Pancras, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.
“We want to push to make stations accessible, we want to organize service on our trains to be accessible.”
Eurostar has some previous Olympic experience. For London 2012, the railway company is the official transport provider for French and Belgian athletes.
In 2024, Eurostar Group will also bring Olympic athletes from the Netherlands and Belgium to Paris.
