The luxury Blue Train, which turns 75 this year, resumed operations between Johannesburg and Durban on October 21 with a private, overnight charter with luxury hospitality, fine cuisine, drinks and entertainment.

“Our clients have continued to enjoy our scheduled journey between Pretoria and Cape Town. After receiving more requests from clients and guests on expanding our local routes, Durban, with beautiful weather all year round and adventure and activities, has always been a logical choice,” says Transnet Blue Train tourism, hospitality and heritage executive manager Nomasonto Ndlovu.

“Our strategy is not just to reinvent ourselves by introducing new routes and experiences that will create excitement and demand, both locally and to the slowly-returning international market, but to also revive our existing favourite route destinations.”

The Blue Train has, over the years, enjoyed an international reputation as one of the world’s unsurpassed luxury experiences. Corporate clients can tailor-make a charter, such as a golfing or safari charter, with the train stopping at or near golf courses or game lodges that are situated along a rail route.

“As long as the option they choose involves rail networks that are compatible with the Blue Train’s technology, it can be arranged. Full catering and bar facilities are also available on board,” says Ndlovu.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had the last laugh over the past twelve months and lockdowns forced the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibition industry into slumber. Corporate travel is, however, not completely dead, Nomasonto notes.

“The Blue Train is perfect for corporates wanting to curate experiences that put their stakeholders at the centre of engagement. Whether employees, board members and shareholders, or clients and partners, the Blue Train allows for uninterrupted time, including for strategy sessions, board meetings, executive engagement or entertainment,” she concludes.