High-speed rail operator Eurostar reported sales and passenger growth for 2013 buoyed by "emerging stability in the U.K. corporate travel market."

Total passenger numbers increased 2 percent year over year to a record 10.1 million. Sales revenue of £857 million (US$1.4 billion) was up by 7 percent, or 5 percent at constant currency exchange rates. Business sales revenue specifically rose 6.2 percent. "After a period of economic uncertainty we are now starting to see more confidence in the business market," according to a statement from Eurostar chief executive Nicolas Petrovic. "In comparison with this time last year, when the overriding sentiment was still very cautious, there are more encouraging trends and in some sectors there is clearly a greater appetite to invest and look for business." The rail service provider, which links destinations in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe, posted a 2013 operating profit of £54 million (US$89 million), up 4 percent from 2012.