WHY IT RATES: Travel agents participated in a series of panel session and educational presentations. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer

Rail Europe brought together travel agents and distributors who specialize in rail travel from around the world for two days of networking, learning, sharing and collaborating with its European rail carrier partners at the Rail Europe International Distribution Event (RIDE).

The invitation-only event, typically occurring every two years, was held March 13 and 14 in Montreux, Switzerland.

The event began with a state of the business presentation by Rail Europe CEO, Fabrice Morel. Attendees then participated in a series of panel sessions and educational presentations from leading European rail carriers, including SNCF, Swiss Travel System, Eurostar, Eurail and more.

The keynote address was given by Simon Lehmann from Phocuswright, who shared trends, facts and figures shaping the online travel landscape.

At the conclusion of the two-day program, Rail Europe presented a series of awards to agency partners highlighting excellence in a variety of categories. Recipients included:

—Best RDG Sales Performance: Ctrip (China)

—Best DB Sales Performance and Most Creative Marketing Campaign: Federal Vacation (Taiwan)

—Best Elipsos Sales Performance: TIJE (Argentina)

—Best Eurail Sales Performance: Ohshu Express Limited (Japan)

—Best Eurostar Sales Performance and Creative Promotion Campaign: Costco Travel (USA)

—Best TGV Lyria Sales Performance combined with a Loyalty Program: Realtime Travel Solution Co., Ltd (South Korea)

—Best OBB Sales Performance: Pan Travel (Indonesia)

—Best Swiss Travel System Sales Performance: Naeil Tour (South Korea)

—Best SJ Sales Performance: Helloworld (Australia)

—Best SNCF Sales Performance: Hanatour (South Korea)

—Best Thalys Sales Performance: Ottila International Pvt. LTD (India)

—Best Trenitalia Sales Performance: TT Operadora (Brazil)

—Best Performance Group Player: Viking Cruises (USA)

—Best Performing Co-Brand: Rick Steves Europe (USA)

—Best Relationship Marketing Newsletter: Avanti Destinations (USA)

—Fastest Rail Europe Webservice Integration: Qyer.com (China)