International Rail says its Asia bookings have surged this month after launching new services in China, Vietnam, Thailand and Korea.

According to the rail company’s managing director Jonathan Hume, since launching the new destinations at the start of this month, business has picked up, with China being the “most popular” destination.

In fact sales have increased so much that Mr Hume said Asia can now help maintain rail business during traditional European off-peak season.

"Also encouraging is the fact that IR customers have reported ticket deliveries to their hotels have been reliable and smooth,” he explained.  

“They reported that it was comforting to know that trains have been pre-booked by a reliable operator back home, especially when they are discovering new destinations."