National Holidays has chartered two full Polar Express trains in Yorkshire after reporting “unprecedented” demand from travel agents’ customers.
The coach tour specialist – part of the JG Group – said it has seen “phenomenal success” with sales via agencies since the festive tours went on sale at the start of February.
Matt Herbert, sales and yield director at National Holidays, said: “When these breaks were released for sale, we saw agent business jump +253% week on week.”
Now the initial allocations have been sold out, the extra capacity of two trains has been added “to ensure agents can fulfil their bookings for their customers”.
The Polar Express breaks, set on the Wensleydale Railway in North Yorkshire, are inspired by the film and book of the same name.
A team of actors recreate scenes from the Polar Express film and the steam train is festively decorated.
Claire Dutton, trade sales manager at National Holidays, said: “The Polar Express is a truly magical break, where families can get involved – from wearing pyjamas to joining in with singing.
“We have been overwhelmed by the bookings from our agent partners. They have proved that lockdown hasn’t stopped them from spreading the word to their customers.”
Two-day Polar Express Breaks start from £129 per adult and £103.20 per child.