Eurostar's sales revenue during the first six months of 2013 rose 7 percent to £453 million

(US$689 million), and passenger count increased 2 percent to 4.9 million. The U.K.-Continental Europe rail operator also reported 3 percent more business travelers in the first half of the year, including  "a significant increase" during the second quarter. "The overall outlook for the business markets is more positive, reflecting signs of greater economic stability, particularly in the U.K.," according to a statement attributed to Eurostar chief executive Nicolas Petrovic.