Leading tour operator Thomas Cook North America has signed up with Advantage Travel & Cruise Centres to launch a new Canadian network.

Composed of a dual franchise and affiliate network, the agreement will provide partners “with the ability to access the Thomas Cook brand, and with that its global expertise and strength”.

Les Cassettari, Advantage Travel president, Doreen Lynch, executive vice-president, and Jill Dickie, director of operations, will join the Thomas Cook team to manage these programs.

Available at a “very attractive price point,” Canadian travel agents, starting with Advantage Travel Affiliates, can now be a part of one of the oldest and best known travel brands in Canada and the world.

Affiliates will benefit from the strength that comes from having more than 3,500 Thomas Cook locations globally.

The Branded program provides access to the Thomas Cook name, which affiliates can use in conjunction with their own strong local brands.

“For agents that sign up for our new Branded program, it is the best of both worlds,” said Michael Friisdahl, chief executive officer, Thomas Cook North America.

“They not only benefit from the tremendous global strength of the Thomas Cook name, they can continue to leverage the strength of their own brands in their local markets.”

The lower cost affiliate program does not include the use of the Thomas Cook brand.

However it does feature a range of other benefits including: a very strong supplier relations program and access to Thomas Cook Travel Insurance and foreign exchange services, among others.