As a BTA premier partner, the high-speed rail operator – which connects the UK with Europe via the Channel Tunnel – will be involved in many of the BTA’s events throughout the year.

It comes after the European Commission cleared the proposed merger of Eurostar and Thalys to create a new European rail network linking the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

The BTA said Eurostar’s membership would make international travel more accessible to members and help them reduce their carbon footprint. According to the association, one flight creates the same carbon footprint per passenger as up to 13 Eurostar journeys.

BTA chief executive Clive Wratten said: “As confidence in and demand for international business travel increases, we’re delighted to have Eurostar back onboard to build our members’ relationships across Europe.”

Thierry Cella-Kreutzer, Eurostar senior lead manager business sales, added: “The BTA has been vocal about the necessity of reopening business travel globally. Rejoining as a member will help us to campaign for wider recognition of business travel’s importance.”