Ghan ticket sales

From a travel trade press release

The Ghan To Darwin Ticket Sales Top $10 Million
Wednesday, 19 November 2003


Great Southern Railway today announced that ticket sales for The Ghan
to Darwin surpassed $10 million with the legendary tourist train still 11
weeks away from making its inaugural transcontinental journey from Adelaide
to Darwin.

Great Southern Railway Chief Executive Officer Stephen Bradford said,
"The response from Australian and overseas holidaymakers has surpassed even
Great Southern Railway's high expectations."

"We always knew The Ghan journey to Darwin had enormous appeal, but we
've been blown away with the results to date. We've seen a massive surge in
new bookings over the past two months following the successful execution of
our publicity and advertising campaign featuring The Ghan Ambassador Steve
Irwin."

"This is one of the great success stories in Australian tourism," Mr
Bradford said.

The Ghan Inaugural Journey from Adelaide to Darwin will depart
Adelaide on 1 February 2004, with regular scheduled services commencing 8
February 2004. The journey features off-train touring opportunities enroute
in Alice Springs and Katherine, including the choice of a boat cruise or
helicopter tour to experience the spectacular grandeur of Katherine Gorge.

"We will be operating trains up to 1 kilometre in length, so there is
plenty of availability for those who want to be among the first to travel
aboard The Ghan to Darwin," Mr Bradford said.

Fares one way per person on the 2,979km transcontinental journey
between Adelaide and Darwin start from $198 for a Red Kangaroo Daynighter
Seat (Adult $440), and $1,183 for a Gold Kangaroo Sleeper (Adult $1,740)
which includes all meals served in a stylish Restaurant Car. The Indian
Pacific and The Overland trains provide convenient connections with The Ghan
in Adelaide for guests travelling to or from Sydney and Melbourne.



--
Tony Bailey
Mercury Travel Books