Ctrip-owned OTA Trip.com has launched sales of Eurostar tickets on its website.

The retailer is marking the launch with a summer sale offering holidaymakers discounts on journeys across the English Channel.

In addition to a 5% discount on Eurostar services to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, Trip.com is also offering 4% off UK rail tickets with no booking fees.

Trp.com says the Eurostar launch is “well timed to take advantage of an increased demand for train travel”.

As pandemic restrictions start to ease, searches for trains from UK to Europe have increased by almost 40% according to Google data comparing queries from April to June.

Trip.com already sells train journeys in the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain, and has now added to its portfolio with Eurostar and SNCF (French National Rail).

Amy Wei, chief executive of international train ticketing at Trip.com, said:“We’re thrilled to offer Eurostar tickets through our website and mobile app.

“With restrictions starting to ease across Europe, UK holidaymakers wanting to get away, without going too far, can enjoy discounted fares to France, the Netherlands and Belgium.”