Alistair Ballantine,
Vice President, Orient Express Travel

Alistair was born and brought up in England with a twin brother and younger sister.

He studied French Language and Civilisation at the University of the Sorbonne in Paris and then did a Masters Degree at Cambridge University in England.

Alistair's career includes 3 years as the Chairman of The World Expeditionary Association in London and then Twenty Five years with Abercrombie and Kent. First in the UK and then as President of Abercrombie and Kent International, inc in the United States. He is currently Vice President of Orient-Express Travel and Director of Sales and Marketing for Orient-Express in the Americas.

His career and love of travel has taken Alistair to 150 countries worldwide and he has visited all seven continents including the Antarctic at least twice. His interests include travel and photography, fly fishing, golf, skiing as well as food and wine. He is passionate about the world we live in and the environmental issues we face today. He is also passionate about travel as a means of bringing people together and of improving understanding of the cultural and Geopolitical issues around the globe today.

Alistair is married to Caroline who has travelled all over the world with him. They have 3 sons and live in Greenwich, CT.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), a member of the Explorers Club and currently the Chairman of the Cornell University Parents Committee and a member of the University Council.

Prior to joining WSPA, Sharanya worked as a consultant to the U.S. government's National Marine Fisheries Service focusing on domestic and international marine mammal and endangered species policy. Originally from Madras (now Chennai), in southeastern India, Sharanya has volunteered with various non-governmental organizations to spread awareness on wildlife conservation, responsible pet ownership and environmental protection.

Sharanya holds an undergraduate degree in Zoology, two Master's degrees in Environmental Science, Policy and Conservation, and a diploma in International Environmental Law.

Jean Heger,
VP of Business Development, Rail Europe

Jean Heger is the Vice President of Business Development at Rail Europe. Jean joined Rail Europe in 1984 and has worked across a range of positions including inside sales, regional sales and more recently as Vice President of Sales & Product, managing both the National Sales Team and the Product Development Team. In her new role, Jean will continue to oversee the company's relationships with rail suppliers, while also developing new business and partnership opportunities beyond Rail Europe's current product portfolio.

Serving North American travelers for over 75 years, Rail Europe has provided sophisticated travelers access to the most romantic and truly European method of travel, and has emerged as an essential part of the vacation planning process. With a vast rail network throughout Europe - representing more than 35 railroad operators throughout the continent - Rail Europe has been a dominating presence in European rail travel since 1932. An essential part of any authentic European journey, train travel is not only a convenient and easy way to travel, but it immediately immerses passengers into the culture and pace of European life.

In 2008 Rail Europe launched a revolutionary way to travel with Anywhere Anytime France. Available exclusively through Rail Europe, this is the first pre-paid electronic ticketing system for European train travel. Travelers simply create an Anywhere Anytime France account online on www.raileurope.com to purchase prepaid train trips at a flat fee of $159 for the first trip, with all subsequent train trips costing just $50.

Jean and Eleanor Hardy,
Owners, The Society of International Railway Travelers

The Society of International Railway Travelers® is the organization for travelers interested in quality, worldwide rail travel. Now in its 26th year, it is owned and operated by Eleanor and Owen Hardy.

The Society offers rail trips to fit every budget and interest: from those seeking luxury in Africa, Asia or on the Orient Express to rail fans tracking down steam engines from China to Chile to those who simply enjoy first-class rail trips on Amtrak or in Canada.

The Society started in 1983 with publication of its award-winning magazine, The International Railway Traveler. Ten years later, the Society began offering journeys to its members. Now, The Society of IRT is both a publishing company and a full-service travel agency and tour operator offering journeys in just about every corner of the world. More than 60 rail journeys are posted on its web site, including luxury, first-class and steam offerings. The Society holds certification with IATAN, ASTA and is a member of ASTA's elite TOPS organization.

In 2003, 30 Society members celebrated the organization's 20th anniversary with an epic adventure on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Istanbul, recreating the original route of this legendary train. That was followed the Society's 25th anniversary celebration in 2008, when 35 members made the two-week “land cruise” from Vladivostok to Moscow aboard the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. Also in 2008, The Society sponsored the first group aboard The Danube Express.

Earlier this year, the Society began publication of a new, free online, bi-monthly magazine, IRT-Extra. Sign up on the "e-news update" link on their web site. You can also join as a member on the web site. Annual membership dues are as $85 inside the U.S., $95 in Canada and $105 elsewhere. Payment may be made with credit card (Master Card of Visa) or PayPal.

Alternatively, call toll-free (within the U.S.) at (800) 478-4881. Outside the U.S. call (502) 454-0277. Fax: (502) 458-2250.

Email: tourdesk@irtsociety.com. Or send a check or money order (U.S. funds only, please) via regular mail to SIRT, 2010 Edgeland Ave. #100, Louisville, KY 40204, USA.

Other Points of Interest

What is new in High Speed rail in Europe:
Italy - December 2008, TrenItalia launched a new hi-speed route from Milan to Rome. The ETR500 AV Red Arrow Train reaches 186mph and shaves 1 hour off this route (now 3hr 30min).

Spain - In 2008 new lines connect Madrid to Barcelona and other destinations. The AVE train travels at speeds of 300 km/hour (186 mph) and covers the distance of 550 km (342 miles) between Madrid and Barcelona in less than 3 hours (travel time was previously 4 hours). The new high-speed lines, have also reduced travel times between Madrid and Valladolid; the journey, which previously took 2h 30mins, now takes only 55 minutes. And what was a 4 hour journey from Madrid to Málaga, now takes only 2h 30mins.

Belgium/Holland - Dec 2009 the new high speed route connecting Brussels to Amsterdam will open

France/Germany - Paris/Cologne High Speed Line

France/Hollard - Paris/Amsterdam High Speed line

Changes in the rail industry in Europe:
Major investment in new infrastructure within the European Union and Switzerland is driving a strong growth in train travel. Brand new hi-speed routes (Milan to Rome) with state of the art trains provide many benefits to travelers, cutting their travel time and increasing services and comfort.

Upgraded services including on-board restaurants and wi-fi are helping to create a new luxe train culture. New lines continue to open, further shrinking Europe, and offering more choice for the North American traveler.

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