Renfe expands the offer of combined tickets to reactivate leisure and culture

In a summer where everything seems to indicate that proximity tourism will once again predominate, Renfe has opted to reinforce its offer of combined tickets, which allow reaching amusement parks, music festivals or other activities spread throughout Catalonia at a reduced price with Rodalies.

With the aim of contributing to the reactivation of the leisure and culture sectors, especially affected by the covid crisis, the railway operator has incorporated more destinations for this summer season, explains the commercial manager of Rodalies de Catalunya, Jesús Pozo, reaching a total of 22. Demand is not expected to reach 2019 levels, but it is expected to improve compared to last year.

Renfe's combined tickets will be used this summer to go to the Jardins Pedralbes, Grec, Cruïlla, Arts d'Estiu (Barcelona) festivals; Canet Rock (Canet de Mar); Vida (Vilanova i la Geltrú); Jardins Terramar (Sitges) or Castell de Peralada. On average, between 10% and 15% of attendees to these shows arrive by train, according to Pozo, a figure that rises to 25% in the case of Canet Rock, where it is more difficult to arrive by car. Once the heat has passed, Rodalies will also allow access to the Sitges Festival or the Mil·lenni Festival.

Beyond concerts, the railway operator's offer includes family leisure plans such as going to L'Aquàrium (Barcelona), Catalunya en Miniatura (Torrelles de Llobregat), PortAventura World (Vila-seca and Salou), Illa Fantasia (Vilassar de Dalt), Water World (Lloret de Mar) or RocRoi (Vilanova i la Geltrú). Also, the Hotel Balneari de Vichy Catalan (Caldes de Malavella), the Freixenet wineries with the freixetren (Sant Sadurní d'Anoia) or the Museu del Ferrocarril (Móra la Nova) can also be visited with Rodalies.

Among this year's novelties is the Cerdanya Music Festival, a new musical event in Alp that will invite artists such as Aitana, Gipsy Kings, Hombres G, Manel, Miguel Ríos, Nathy Peluso, Rosario or Sopa de Cabra from August 12 to 22. EnoBICING Penedès has also been incorporated, a cycle tourism route that starts at Lavern-Subirats station, takes you cycling among vineyards and ends with a wine tasting, and Klimt's immersive exhibition at the Ideal Digital Arts Center in Barcelona.

Taking advantage of off-peak hours

This Renfe initiative to promote cultural and leisure destinations helps it get more out of trains during off-peak times, such as valley hours or weekends. In this way, they do not entail any additional cost, such as having to incorporate more trains into the network to respond to demand. During 2019, 325,000 travelers used these combined tickets, generating extra revenue of 1.4 million euros.

During 2019, 325,000 travelers used these combined tickets, generating revenue of 1.4 million euros

Looking ahead to upcoming seasons, the railway operator is evaluating several options to complete this commitment to the culture and leisure sectors. For example, incorporating a discount card for festivals. It is even on the table to promote a tourist train ---like the Tarraco Talgo---.