The Society of International Railway Travelers (IRT) -- luxury trains, rail tours
2010 Edgeland Ave., Suite 100
Louisville, KY 40204
Toll Free Number: (800) 478-4881
Phone Number: (502) 454-0277
Fax Number: (502) 458-2250
Web Address: www.irtsociety.com
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
We've been celebrating the world's top trains since 1983.
What is your primary product or service?
We have two: We are a publishing company: we publish a gorgeous, informative, award-winning magazine, The International Railway Traveler. We are also a full-service travel agency and tour operator; we organize wonderful train (and cruise) journeys in N. America and around the world.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Owen C. Hardy founded the company in 1983. As a college student, he studied almost a year in Germany, and became fluent in German. He also became fluent in trains. His journalism degree - focusing on magazine journalism - is from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. These two interests naturally joined together when Hardy was looking for a publication to buttress his arguments that America should not gt rid of its trains in the mid-80s. He could not find one. So, he started The International Railway Traveler.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Why are we different? First, we publish our magazine, which is an honest review of fine train trips around the world. We call it as we see it -- and sometimes the trains are not happy with what we say. Sometimes they are thrilled. Every year, we publish our World's Top 25 Trains list. Trains, of course, are thrilled to be named to this list. We have a breadth of experience in rail that cannot be matched in our industry. We also have long experience in fine journalism. The special edition of our magazine just earned Travel Weekly's Gold Magellan Award for 2009. We are the only rail-based agency to win A Magellan Award.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
One. No.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are in the center of Crescent Hill on Frankfort Avenue, a fun and lively neighborhood. We take appointments so we can give our best service.
What type of payments do you accept?
Check, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, bank transfer.
Which areas do you service?
The world. Our guests come from the world over. And our world wide network of luxury travel partners allows us to send them around the globe.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
It is owned by Eleanor Flagler Hardy and Owen C. Hardy who also run it daily with their dedicated staff.
What are your hours of operation?
9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
"Our trip was just what we dreamed of -- with lots of surprises -- and we know we could have never done this on our own. We are telling all our friends and family about The Society of International Railway Travelers. Thank you for our 'Dream Come True Trip.' "
Contact The Society of International Railway Travelers (IRT) -- luxury trains, rail tours:
