Eurostar has confirmed a great start to 2008 with first half sales increased by approximately 25 per cent.

Passenger traffic increased by 18 per cent to around 4.63 million passengers.  This increase has partly been  attributed to the new high speed line between the Channel Tunnel and St Pancras station.

This fast service to Paris is presenting serious opposition to airlines like Air France and British Airways.

Guillaume Pepy, president of Eurostar, said:

“Environmental considerations, the reduced journey times and a strong punctuality record are leading increasing numbers of people to choose Eurostar.”

Sales have now gone on sale for direct services to popular ski destinations for this winter so the company expects sales to increase even further now.  Destinations will include La Plagne, Tignes, Meribel, the French Alps and Les Arcs and will commence on 20th December.