Hosting its first ever Corporate Rail Experts event in Sydney last night, Rail Plus awarded 25 graduates from across the country after completing a series of online training modules, with the big prize awarded to Travelworld Nowra Manager, Jennie Dicker.

Though the Rail Experts program has been running for three years, this is the first time it has been tailored specifically for corporate consultants, which Rail Plus National Sales & Marketing Manager, Greg McCallum said reflected growing interest of rail travel to international business travellers which has resulted in a 55 per cent increase in sales from corporate consultants this year.

“Rail networks – particularly those in Europe where high-speed services are rapidly expanding - offer corporate travellers unrivalled ease and efficiency,” McCallum said.

In order to further benefit from growing demand, Mr McCallum said initiatives were developed to better adapt services for coprorates, which includes the new integration into Amadeus’ front office solution and the introduction of ‘Print Your Ticket’ technology providing increased security, flexibility and convenience.  

Ms Dicker received two return tickets to Europe flying Emirates, two Eurail Global Flexi Passes and two tickets on Eurostar, and advertising of her company in business media.

Julia Enders from Travelforce Private came runner up and also went home with a prize, a ticket to the 2012 National Travel Industry Awards next year (including one nights’ accommodation in Sydney), and third placed Kate Bennett from Travelworld Coffs Harbour will travel to Melbourne in December to attend this year's TraveLeague Christmas Luncheon.

Five top selling Emirates and Eurostar graduates will also be chosen to experience the product first hand on a 10-day famil to Europe in November sponsored by Rail Plus and partners, Emirates, Eurostar and Citadines Apartments. Agents picked include, Karen Borg – Pure Travel, Karen Hamilton – Elite Travel, Melissa Pointon - Concierge Business Travel, Larissa McKenzie – Hunter Travel Group and Robyn Martin – Jetset Camden.

All graduates of the Corporate Rail Experts program received a Eurail Global Flexi Pass for 15 days travel in two months.