Punnee Hall
Senior Manager, Brand & Corporate communications
Belmond Ltd
9 December, 2022
6 December 2022 - For the first time in ILTM Cannes history, Belmond brings the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to the world’s flagship luxury travel show. Built in 1926, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express’ most historic carriage, show stopping sleeping car 3309, will be on display and open to the trade show’s international visitors and press - at La Croisette from the 6th to the 8th of December.
Early in this carriage’s almost 100-year history, it spent over a decade as part of the ‘Orient Express’ service, including one fateful day in February 1929 when it was marooned in a snow drift sixty miles from Istanbul for ten days, an incident which has inspired writers and film producers ever since. Following acquisitions of the carriages by James B. Sherwood in the late 1970s, sleeping car 3309 along with other carriages underwent extensive and sensitive restoration, and commenced service in 1982 as part of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train.
Almost 100 years after its inaugural trip and cared for today with the utmost respect to the craftsmanship of the 1920s, today this carriage houses three of the six luxurious Grand Suites: Vienna, Prague and Budapest. The three award-winning Grand Suites draw inspiration from the romance, adventure, and flair of each great European city the train travels to. The epitome of luxury, each Grand Suite has been created with scrupulous craftsmanship that embraces the train’s iconic history and art-deco heritage. From the hand embroidered cushions to intricately carved marquetry, the suites offer an unmatchable experience with perfectly placed mosaics, silk patterns, en-suite bathrooms, double beds, and a private living area with underfloor heating, to enjoy the delights of private dining, 24-hour cabin service and free-flowing champagne.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - A True Legend in Motion
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has been at the forefront of luxury travel for over forty years. The legendary train is made up of 17 restored carriages from various luxury train services, including carriages from the 1920s and 1930s golden age of travel. Since its inaugural service in 1982, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express continues to perpetuate the legendary art of travel, balancing the heritage of its beautifully restored carriages with contemporary spirit through creative culinary offerings by Michelin starred chef Jean Imbert. The train currently travels to 15 European destinations, including its annual journeys between Paris and Istanbul, as well as its classic journeys to and from Paris and Venice or other captivating cities such as Florence, Rome and Cannes.
In response to the growing demand for luxury rail travel synonymous with the golden age of travel, the train will unveil eight new Suites in Summer 2023, which will allow guests to choose between three different accommodation types - the Historic Cabins, the Suites and the Grand Suites.
The expertise honed through the painstaking restoration and the day to day running of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has led Belmond to further expand its slow travel assets. To date, Belmond operates six luxury trains - from the UK to Europe, Peru and Southeast Asia - as well as river barges in France and a river cruise in Myanmar alongside its illustrious portfolio of hotels and safaris around the world.
Early in this carriage’s almost 100-year history, it spent over a decade as part of the ‘Orient Express’ service, including one fateful day in February 1929 when it was marooned in a snow drift sixty miles from Istanbul for ten days, an incident which has inspired writers and film producers ever since. Following acquisitions of the carriages by James B. Sherwood in the late 1970s, sleeping car 3309 along with other carriages underwent extensive and sensitive restoration, and commenced service in 1982 as part of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train.
Almost 100 years after its inaugural trip and cared for today with the utmost respect to the craftsmanship of the 1920s, today this carriage houses three of the six luxurious Grand Suites: Vienna, Prague and Budapest. The three award-winning Grand Suites draw inspiration from the romance, adventure, and flair of each great European city the train travels to. The epitome of luxury, each Grand Suite has been created with scrupulous craftsmanship that embraces the train’s iconic history and art-deco heritage. From the hand embroidered cushions to intricately carved marquetry, the suites offer an unmatchable experience with perfectly placed mosaics, silk patterns, en-suite bathrooms, double beds, and a private living area with underfloor heating, to enjoy the delights of private dining, 24-hour cabin service and free-flowing champagne.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express - A True Legend in Motion
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has been at the forefront of luxury travel for over forty years. The legendary train is made up of 17 restored carriages from various luxury train services, including carriages from the 1920s and 1930s golden age of travel. Since its inaugural service in 1982, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express continues to perpetuate the legendary art of travel, balancing the heritage of its beautifully restored carriages with contemporary spirit through creative culinary offerings by Michelin starred chef Jean Imbert. The train currently travels to 15 European destinations, including its annual journeys between Paris and Istanbul, as well as its classic journeys to and from Paris and Venice or other captivating cities such as Florence, Rome and Cannes.
In response to the growing demand for luxury rail travel synonymous with the golden age of travel, the train will unveil eight new Suites in Summer 2023, which will allow guests to choose between three different accommodation types - the Historic Cabins, the Suites and the Grand Suites.
The expertise honed through the painstaking restoration and the day to day running of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has led Belmond to further expand its slow travel assets. To date, Belmond operates six luxury trains - from the UK to Europe, Peru and Southeast Asia - as well as river barges in France and a river cruise in Myanmar alongside its illustrious portfolio of hotels and safaris around the world.
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