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A
magnificent way to travel.....
South
Africa has gained a major new international tourist attraction
with the launch (September 26/27, 1997) of a magnificent
new Blue Train, the most luxurious train in the world.
"I
believe the new Blue Train provides the grandest of traveling
experiences," says Braam le Roux, chief executive of Spoornet.
"This is not merely a train but one of the world's leading
hotels.
"Ninety
percent of The Blue Train's passengers have been international
visitors and, with the new train, we expect this trend to
continue. The tourism industry is one of the great hopes
for the South African economy and the new Blue Train demonstrates
how our young democracy has been able to produce a traveling
masterpiece which will attract tourists from around the
world."
The
Blue Train has been refurbished at a capital figure of R70-million.
Says Le Roux: "We carefully evaluated the economic feasibility
and are confident the new Blue Train will be profitable.
We also believe there will be a significant spin-off benefit
for the community at large because the tourists who travel
on The Blue Train will also visit other South African tourist
attractions."
Since
its launch in 1946, The Blue Train has been synonymous with
elegance and luxury and this latest incarnation is guaranteed
to make it the focus of global attention.
With
interiors created by a leading interior architectural design
company, the new Blue Train will rival many a five-star
hotel in terms of grace, comfort and style. The compartments
have been superbly redesigned to offer discerning guests
the best that modern technology and superior craftsmanship
can provide.
In
January 1995, management and interior designers gathered
to conceptualize a level of luxury that has never been seen
in motion before. By January 1996, construction of the new
Blue Train was under way at the Transwerk workshop at Koedoespoort
in Pretoria. Experts in every sphere were appointed to ensure
the train would exceed the highest expectations.
Each
Blue Train compartment has a fully appointed bathroom en-suite,
featuring either a bath or shower; a telephone, television
and individually controlled air-conditioning. A video channel
allows guests to access short documentaries about the area
through which the train is traveling, while a large screen
in the Club Car provides a driver's-eye view of the track
ahead, courtesy of a camera mounted onto the front of the
locomotive. Other innovations include CD players and video
machines in the luxury compartments.
The
Blue Train project team also introduced a Club Car styled
along the lines of a gentleman's club and the ideal place
for coffee and a post-prandial drink. This is in addition
to the Lounge Car where guests are able to enjoy traditional
high-teas. A new concept in wining and dining features cuisine
created by The Blue Train Team. Only fine South African
wines are served.
"South
African wines can stand proudly alongside the best in the
world," says The Blue Train's business manager Kishore Seegoolam,
who collaborated on the new menu. "The Blue Train offers
some the most remarkable wines our country produces.
Finally,
to ensure the ultimate in hospitality, professionally trained
personnel are on call for guests in each compartment 24
hours a day. The 380-meter long (416 yards) train has 18
carriages, accommodates 84 passengers with 27 staff to look
after them and travels at a maximum speed of 11Okm/h (68mph).
Devotees of the
‘old' Blue Train claimed that it could never be bettered.
Yet the new Blue Train surpasses the expectations of all
who step aboard. For the Blue Train is unique - not just
one of the world's finest hotels, but one which moves from
destination to destination. Join us now, as one of our most
welcome and select guests, for a grand and glorious journey
abroad The New Blue Train - the most luxurious train in
the world and, truly, a magnificent way to travel.
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