Thomas Cook Signature partners YHA Australia
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Thomas Cook Signature has partnered with the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) in Australia to a range of budget accommodation to the UK’s mainstream travel market.
It is hoped that the deal will allow Thomas Cook, Co-op and Going Places agents to tap into this growing market, which was previously only available through youth/budget travel specialists.
More than 128,000 British backpackers visit Australia each year, each staying an average 68 nights and spending AU$7,660 (£4,990) per trip – nearly twice as much as the average international traveller.
By joining forces with YHA Australia, Thomas Cook Signature will give high street retail agents access to a range of budget accommodation for the first time. Options range from the Sydney Central YHA to the more rural Halls Gap YHA in the Grampians Region of Victoria, and the Queensland beach location of Magnetic Island YHA. The majority of hostels on the east coast offer amenities such as swimming pools and sometimes spas.
YHA Australia’s marketing manager for Europe, Mandy Monk, said; “We are very pleased to partner with Thomas Cook Signature to provide a range of products that are easily accessible to our growing number of customers via the high street. The budget and backpacker segment is continuing to grow and despite common misconceptions these travellers have disposable income, a strong propensity to travel and are generally less effected by issues such as the Global financial crisis, making them an ideal target group in these more difficult times. We welcome the foresight shown by Thomas Cook Signature to tap into this lucrative segment through its independent agent partners.”
Thomas Cook Signature’s 2012 brochure, which features the YHA Australia range, launches on 15 December.