Rocky Mountaineer will reposition a fleet of its SilverLeaf rail carriages south across the Canadian border for its new Southwest USA, unveiled late last week. And while its signature GoldLeaf luxury service won’t be offered on the Denver to Moab route, the rail company will introduce a new product; SilverLeaf Plus.

Canadian luxury tourist train company Rocky Mountaineer has confirmed plans to add a new two-day rail journey through The Rockies of Southwest USA, showcasing deserts and rock formations.

South Africa’s luxurious rail service, The Blue Train, is set to resume private charter services this month and will restart leisure travel and a full schedule from 1 November 2020, dependent on further pronouncements from the government. The move comes as the country moves to alert Level 2 in response to the pandemic.

Following a successful pilot in June, the new Mobile Italy Pass is now available via the Eurail and Interrail webshops. Trenitalia is the first of the participating carriers in the Eurail and Interrail scheme whose rail services will be available via a new digital solution – the first all-in-one mobile pass that travellers can conveniently access via the dedicated Rail Planner App.

Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer has confirmed the suspension of its 2020 season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued government travel and health restrictions. All departures through to 11 October, 2020 have been abandoned.

The Blue Train in South Africa has extended its COVID-19 related operation halt until 30 September 2020.

A new luxury rail experience linking Hoi An and Quy Nhon in Vietnam is preparing to begin operation from 1 July 2020. The Vietage Train is a custom-designed opulent carriage with just 12 reservation-only seats.

Rail Europe is tasking travel advisors to embrace the rail specialists’ suite of new tools and technology enhancements, designed to streamline both agent and operator efficiencies.

Eurostar will commence direct services between London and the Netherlands from 30 April 2020. Tickets for the direct return journey have gone on sale this week.

Qatar Airways’ passengers will be able to access a handful of new destinations in German via a codeshare partnership that has been struck with with Deutsche Bahn.

The world’s leading operator of exclusive, long-distance rail tours, Golden Eagle Luxury Trains has unveiled new itineraries for their rail cruises in 2020. Advocating that the best way to enjoy rich cultures and panoramic views is by rail, the company blends first-class service and elegant surroundings with increasingly remote destinations, allowing adventurous travellers to explore in style.

Belmond has announced a special event for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will take place in late March 2020, curated in partnership with Private Drama Events.