Experiencing what the world has to offer is something akin to a rite of passage and an engrained goal in many younger people’s minds worldwide. The latest data within the EY Future Travel Behaviours Observatory shows that in Italy, a country passionate about travel, young people are choosing trains as a way to explore new pastures and broaden their minds.
It almost goes without stating that Italians love travelling, and it is a passion that has grown even stronger following the pandemic. Many might not be aware that Italy has the highest percentage of travellers in Europe. It is a whopping 88%, and the number of trips the country’s people are planning to take throughout 2023 is expected to be greater than ever compared to previous years.
It is just one of the findings revealed in the third edition of the EY Future Travel Behaviours Observatory, which has analysed travel trends and the drivers behind the choices made by Italians and Europeans.
At the top of the list, the key factors in the study that are predominantly influencing travel decisions are cost, the environment and personalised experiences. With that in mind, it is unsurprising that the train is one of the preferred means of transport.
Looking at the age groups, it’s Generation Z who are travelling the most, and they want to do it in a bank-balance-friendly and sustainable way. One of the simplest ways young travellers can do this is by hopping on a train, as they offer lower carbon emissions when compared to typical flying or driving, and thanks to special offers, train travel can also be a cost-effective option.
Trenitalia and its offers for younger people
Italian train operator Trenitalia offers a whole host of offers for its youngest users. These include the somewhat obviously named “Young” offer, which provides reduced travel costs of up to 70% on Frecciabianca, Intercity and Intercity night trains.
To qualify, travellers must be aged below thirty. In addition, they need to be signed up for the CartaFreccia loyalty program, which allows them to collect points when they buy Freccia, Eurocity or Euronight tickets or to the new X-Go program for Trenitalia. Users travelling with Regional and Intercity trains can have their points converted into cash-back for future trips.
Another promotion for the under-30s is the FrecciaYoung offer, with Frecciarossa and Frecciargento tickets at €19 or €29, depending on the line. The offer is valid for CartaFRECCIA members under 30 on standard- or second-class tickets. There is also a low-cost offer for the Carta Verde, or as it is also known the ‘green card’.
For €40 a year, youngsters aged between 12 and 26 are entitled to a 10% reduction on any type of basic first or second-class ticket, which also includes couchettes and sleeping berths.
Students with a Carta dello Studente (IoStudio student card) from the Italian Ministry of Education can buy first or second-class tickets with a 20% reduction on Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca, Intercity and Intercity night trains. Then there is the ever-popular Interrail scheme for backpackers travelling across Europe. A single pass to visit a range of countries, with special discounts for young passengers.
All of the offers can be booked and purchased directly online: as the EY study found, youngsters expect “one-click” digital experiences when making a booking, as well as continuous connectivity while travelling.
Travel with the True Italian Experience digital hub
Although to the protestation of some, digital and tourism are becoming two increasingly interconnected worlds. Digital services are essential in this sector, which is the thinking behind the True Italian Experience project for exclusive and original travel experiences designed as opportunities to discover the true essence of Italy.
They are experiences tailored to the passions and the requirements of every traveller, with a focus on respect for the principles of sustainability and social responsibility. In addition, they safeguard and honour traditions and territories. The encouragement of an eco-friendly form of tourism is one of the objectives of the True Italian Experience digital hub.
Trenitalia is the main partner of True Italian Experience and operates a nationwide network that enables users to reach lesser-known parts of the country whilst offering fast and comfortable travel via its Frecciarossa trains. You can learn more about its offerings at www.trenitalia.com/en.html.
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