Eurostar and Google map out European travel

Fri, 2 May 2008

Eurostar and Google are launching a new map service that will allow users to find maps of Europe. The Explore Europe kiosks will be available at St Pancras International station.

It will allow travellers to select a birds-eye view of anywhere in Europe as well as "swooping down" onto famous landmarks such as Disneyland Paris. It be available in two large display panels in a kiosk at the station.

Google travel industry manager Sarah McDonald says: "Today's huge number of visitors to Google Earth and Maps shows that people want to explore their travel destinations before they get there."

Eurostar director of communications Simon Montague adds: "We want our travellers to use the departure lounge as a space that also stimulates, educates and relaxes them."

Eurostar says it has seen a "substantial growth in demand" since it moved to St Pancras International in November last year. It says traveller numbers have also grown by 21% during the first quarter of this year.

The kiosks will be free of charge and were designed by Land Design Studio and software developer Studio Simple.