Non-EU travellers help profits double at Eurostar

Channel Tunnel train company Eurostar saw its operating profit more than double last year as a rise in the number of passengers from outside the European Union helped offset a flat business travel market.

Overall passengers grew 2 per cent to 9.9 million in 2012, with a 3 per cent rise in leisure travellers and an 8 per cent jump in the number of non-EU passengers.

Chief executive Nicolas Petrovic said: “Responding to the difficult European economic environment, Eurostar has invested heavily in its international marketing, capitalising on London’s year in the spotlight with the Jubilee celebrations and a summer of sporting action.”

Operating profits jumped to £52.3 million, from £25m in 2011, although exchange rate movements meant revenues were largely flat at £799m.