There has been a rise in sales on Eurostar travel, according to new figures released. Between July and September 2009, a reported rise in sales show that a total of 2.6 million passengers travelled on the service compared to 2.4 million this time last year, revealing an increase of 6.8%.

Eurostar’s chief executive Richard Brown said: “Today’s figures show that, despite tough times, people are increasingly realising the great benefit of travelling with Eurostar. In recent weeks a number of our major corporate clients have eased their business travel restrictions.”

Eurostar could be at even more of an advantage after the government announced an increase in Air Passenger Duty (APD) of £1, adding to the cost of flying to France. Mr Brown told the BBC that Eurostar had always faced competition from airlines, but this could now change after the increased tax. Brown said: “We would not have attracted the number of people we have if our prices were not as good, or usually better, than the airlines.”

French holidays and the tourist businesses could however be affected if people would prefer to fly. The increase in APD will be pushed up to £11 per person and will be imposed on short haul flights, including Europe. The government argues that this duty is an environmental tax, even though private jets and cargo flights don’t pay the fee, much to the irritation of other airlines.

There will also be another Air Passenger Duty rise in 12 months time, which could provoke people into using the Eurostar rather than to fly.

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