Booking platform Rail Europe has joined the European Travel Commission (ETC) as an associate member in an effort to boost rail usage among both business and leisure travellers.

Under the associate member agreement the two entities will collaborate on projects aimed at promoting sustainable travel and improving the overall travel experience, according to a recent statement.

In an email to BTN Europe, Rail Europe confirmed the partnership will include joint campaigns, thought leadership events and “collaborations with key stakeholders in the business travel industry” to raise awareness and drive adoption of rail travel for local and international travellers.

The booking platform, which recently added content from Czech train operator RegioJet and Spanish high-speed operator iryo, said it also intends to leverage its B2B network of agencies and travel management companies “to make rail a central topic”.

“Our partnership with ETC will bring tourism and mobility even closer together, and it will allow us to advocate for greener travel solutions, ensuring rail becomes the backbone of European tourism,” said Rail Europe CEO Björn Bender.