Deutsche Bahn has renewed its agreement with Amadeus for another three years to grow its online distribution and help it reach travellers beyond Europe, extending the two companies’ 20-year long relationship.

With this new agreement OTAs can better serve the leisure traveller worldwide with access to DB’s full range of routes and fares via Amadeus Rail Web Services.

In addition, corporate and traditional travel agencies continue to be able to offer DB content via Amadeus Rail Display and Amadeus eTravel Management.

Railways are facing a challenging business landscape as multi-modal competition continues to emerge in the travel industry amidst deregulation.

Cooperation and sharing is accelerating in the online channel, with travellers now more than ever having greater choice of transport modes to provide a door-to-door experience.

Amadeus’ rail platform provides OTAs with a one-stop-shop to market-leading rail content with over ten providers including DB, enriching their overall travel offer as a result.

Integration is simple thanks to the platform’s standardised interface and processes.

Customers travelling in or going to Germany and neighbouring countries will have more travel choice through their OTA, with the possibility to easily view and compare a DB rail fare with an air fare.

They will also have the added convenience of booking all DB fares in the same way as in Germany, regardless of their origin.

Mathias Huesk, head of e-commerce at Deutsche Bahn, said: “Today’s rail traveller is very different from ten years ago, as travelling has evolved from a station-to-station process to a door-to-door experience.

“Therefore, we must adapt ourselves to remain competitive and meet the needs of the new traveller.

“Our expanded relationship with Amadeus secures the availability of DB’s offer in all channels the traveller might choose.

“This means business and leisure travellers alike will be able to book DB in Germany, Europe and beyond through Amadeus’ range of channels.

“I trust this partnership will further support rail travel and mark the path to making DB the leading travel choice in Central Europe.”