The owner of Ireland's only luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Grand Hibernian, has said that the train will be relocated to an as-yet-unknown location due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Irish Independent quotes Belmond Ltd as saying, "In response to the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19, Belmond has been reviewing its global operations and has renewed its commitment to continually enhance its guest experiences worldwide.
"As a result, Belmond has decided to relocate its Grand Hibernian train operation in the near term, revitalising its portfolio of iconic rail journeys."
Expected "To Remain Within Europe"
Belmond continued, "The carriages that comprise the Grand Hibernian rake will be carefully stored and will undergo renovation works to preserve their unique character, whilst the interior design is evolved in keeping with the chosen destination, once known.
"While it is too early to reveal the location of the new service, Belmond expects this operation to remain within Europe, where demand for immersive, slow-travel experiences of this kind is increasing and local and regional markets have proven resilient outside government-mandated lockdowns."
Thanking Irish Rail, The Government And Tourism Ireland
Belmond added, "We want to take this opportunity to thank Irish Rail and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in Ireland, including Tourism Ireland, for the essential support they have provided since the Grand Hibernian journey launched in Dublin in 2016.
"We look forward to announcing the details of a new world-class train service in due course and to welcoming our loyal guests back aboard."
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
