Transnet's iconic Blue Train, which celebrates its 70th birthday next year, has this week signed an innovative partnership agreement with leading African hotel brand Sun International. This 18-month pilot partnership is aimed at repositioning “Africa's Leading Luxury Train” at the centre of the global tourism market, adapting to growing competition and recapitalising, which may include the building of new state-of-the-art train sets and the development of new routes.
The partnership agreement was signed by Thulani Nzima, CEO of SA Tourism, Graeme Stephens, Chief Executive of Sun International, and Siyabonga Gama, Group Chief Executive of Transnet on 8 September 2015 at Pretoria Station.
Sun International's SunLux Collection properties include The Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, The Maslow Hotel in Johannesburg, The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City and The Royal Livingstone at Victoria Falls - all of which are accessible by rail.
The award-winning Blue Train, which offers five-star accommodation, fine dining and personalised service, is a unique way of exploring Southern Africa's landscapes and landmarks on rail. The Blue Train has been synonymous with luxury rail travel and tourism since 1946 and enjoys an international reputation as one of the world's true luxury, heritage rail experiences.
