Rail travel with reduced tension: Eurostar's latest initiative featuring board games for a relaxing journey

Rail travel with reduced tension: Eurostar's latest initiative featuring board games for a relaxing journey

Eurostar and Asmodee Partner to Enhance Onboard Entertainment

Eurostar, the high-speed rail service connecting Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom, has partnered with board game publisher Asmodee to offer a unique selection of games on selected routes this summer. The collaboration aims to provide passengers with an engaging and interactive activity that can help make travel more enjoyable, socially stimulating, and mentally engaging.

The curated selection includes fast-paced visual games like Dobble Dinosaurs and Dobble Animal Crossing, as well as reflex-challenging games such as Jungle Speed and memory-based mind games like Trio. Other games in the selection include card games such as Exploding Kittens and the calm, family-friendly game Happy Mochi.

According to Bert De Smet, Director of Asmodee Belgium, travel with children can be peaceful with the right board game. He recommends choosing compact games with few pieces, such as card or dice-based options, and advises packing game components in sealable plastic bags to avoid disruption. De Smet also advises against games that are noisy or overly complex to avoid disturbing fellow passengers.

The benefits of playing board games on Eurostar routes are numerous. According to a recent study, 61% of passengers believe that playing games makes time pass faster, while 48% say that they are relaxing and 47% feel that they reduce boredom. Additionally, 46% consider playing games to be a helpful way to keep children occupied, and around 38% also said that they encourage positive social interaction.

Alex Wood, Eurostar's Service Strategy Manager, states that the journey with Eurostar is considered as the beginning of the holiday. By offering board games, Eurostar aims to provide passengers with an enjoyable and memorable experience from the moment they step onto the train.

The benefits of this collaboration extend beyond the passengers. The partnership can enhance Eurostar’s image as an innovator in passenger comfort and entertainment, showing attention to customer experience. In 2024, Eurostar carried 19.5 million passengers, and the introduction of board games on selected routes could help attract even more passengers in the future.

However, it is important to note that not all passengers may wish to participate in the games. De Smet suggests using a small mat or dice app to reduce noise on tray tables, ensuring that all passengers can enjoy their journey in peace.

In conclusion, the trial of board games on Eurostar routes aims to improve onboard entertainment by offering a unique, interactive activity that benefits travelers socially and cognitively during their trip. With the right games and considerate use, passengers can look forward to a more enjoyable and engaging travel experience.

1. For travelers seeking entertaining activities during their journey, Eurostar's partnership with Asmodee offers a variety of board games, including Dobble Dinosaurs, Jungle Speed, and Exploding Kittens.
2. According to Alex Wood, Eurostar's Service Strategy Manager, the collaboration aims to create a memorable holiday experience from the moment passengers step onto the train.
3. Families traveling with children can find peace on Eurostar routes with the right board game, recommends Bert De Smet, Director of Asmodee Belgium, suggesting compact games like Happy Mochi.
4. The introduction of board games on certain Eurostar routes can help enhance the company's image as an innovator in passenger comfort and entertainment, potentially attracting more passengers in the future.
5. To cater to the needs of passengers who prefer a quiet journey, Eurostar suggests using a small mat or dice app to reduce noise on tray tables, ensuring all passengers can enjoy their travel experience peacefully.

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