Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Queensland Rail are suspending services of Australia's Orient Express, the Great South Pacific Express, due to 'uncertain international political and economic conditions'.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express chief executive Nick Varian and Queensland Rail chief executive officer Bob Scheuber, said they were saddened to make such a decision: 'Particularly following the events of 11 September 2001 in New York, there has been a big downturn in the numbers of international tourists looking for a luxury rail experience in Australia.

'Our major market for the GSPE has been wealthy American and Japanese tourists. In 2000, revenue from US and Japanese passengers on the train was $4.5m AUD and has reduced in just two years to $1.6m AUD.

Passengers with journeys booked to travel up to 8 June, need to take no action. Journeys after 8 June have been cancelled but passengers will receive full refunds or be offered travel on other Orient-Express trains around the world or on Queensland Rail's existing trains in Queensland.

The company says it will continue to examine all options for the train's future. Details: +44 (0)20 7805 5065