TopRail: Tourist-Friendly Awards & QRUIC Launches TopRail Tourist-Friendly Awards to Celebrate Excellence in Rail Tourism
UIC Launches TopRail Tourist-Friendly Awards to Celebrate Excellence in Rail Tourism
The International Union of Railways (UIC) is proud to announce the launch of the TopRail Tourist-Friendly Awards, a new initiative designed to spotlight outstanding contributions to rail tourism. These awards are part of the broader TopRail Initiative (Tourism Opportunities for Railways), which promotes rail as a sustainable, comfortable, and enriching mode of travel for tourists around the world.
π About the TopRail Initiative
TopRail fosters collaboration among railway operators, tourism boards, and stakeholders to enhance the tourism potential of railways. Its goals include:
- Encouraging railway companies to improve tourism-related services.
- Promoting rail travel as a key part of the tourism experience.
- Supporting innovation and best practices in rail tourism.
Through events, projects, and now the TopRail Awards, the initiative continues to elevate the role of trains in global tourism.
π What Are the Tourist-Friendly Awards?
The TopRail Tourist-Friendly Awards recognise railway services and infrastructures that go above and beyond in creating memorable, accessible, and sustainable travel experiences. Open to all UIC members, the awards are structured around a Classification and Categorisation system that evaluates services based on key elements of the tourist journey.
π Award Categories
Participants can apply in the following categories:
- Tourist-friendly rolling stock, service and on-board experience β Short Distance
- Tourist-friendly rolling stock, service and on-board experience β Long Distance
- Tourist-friendly railway line
- Tourist-friendly small railway stations
- Tourist-friendly large/main railway station
- Tourist-friendly railway station lounge
- Best Rail Tourism Initiative or Product
Each category is assessed using a structured checklist and scoring system, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation.
π§ββοΈ Judging Process
The judging panel will evaluate entries based on:
β’ Innovation and sustainability
β’ Comfort, convenience, and accessibility
β’ Impact on tourism
β’ Clarity and effectiveness of presentation
Finalists will be invited to present their projects to the jury in a second round of evaluation.
π How to Apply
UIC members can submit one application per category. Applications must include supporting materials such as photos, videos, or social media links. PDF worksheets are available to help applicants prepare their submissions.
π Start your application here
π
Deadline for submissions: 24 July 2025
π Award Ceremony: 16 October 2025 at UIC Headquarters, Paris
π¨ Have questions?
Send an email to: toprail@uic.org
