Thomas Cook Signature has partnered with YHA Australia to offer budget accommodation throughout its UK’s high street travel retail network.

With this move, the company is targeting youth/budget traveller market for the first time.

The pact allow Thomas Cook, Co-op and Going Places agents to tap into this growing market, which was previously only the realm of youth/budget travel specialists, highlighted the companies. It was also mentioned that over 128,000 British backpackers visit Australia each year, each staying an average 68 nights and spending $7,660 AUD per trip making this the highest yielding segment, spending nearly twice as much as the average international traveller.

Mandy Monk, YHA Australia’s marketing manager for Europe, said 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,” said Monk.

Thomas Cook Signature’s 2012 brochure launches on 15 December.