Unique program offers Canadian Families "Kid Reviewed, Parent Approved" vacations and great value
TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Thomas Cook Travel, a leading provider of vacation packages in Canada, today announced the launch of Thomas Cook Kids First - a unique Kid Reviewed, Parent Approved program that promises fun-filled vacations for the entire family at guaranteed lowest prices.
Thomas Cook Kids First offers vacation packages to destinations that are truly family friendly, with video reviews by kids, for kids available on thomascook.ca/kidsfirst, expert advice from knowledgeable Kids First travel specialists, and exclusive partner offers. Thomas Cook has also engaged well-known mommy bloggers and parenting experts to give the Kids First program that parent approved perspective.
Thomas Cook Director of Retail Marketing, Jacqueline Grossman says she is thrilled to bring the program to life, "Family dynamics are changing; kids are becoming more involved in the decision-making process when it comes to family vacations. Our Kids First program addresses this shift by making it easier for Canadian families to choose their holiday destination based on how well it suits their families' unique needs. When you book a Kids First vacation, you are not only getting the best value, you are assured peace of mind that it will be enjoyable for everyone."
Thomas Cook Travel has partnered with leading family vacation tour operators Sunquest, Transat Holidays, Holiday House and WestJet Vacations, offering hand-picked resorts that cater exclusively to families. Select Kids First packages also offer up to $500 in added value, with exclusive offers from Canadian retail partners like Indigo, whose award-winning IndigoKids' sections are dedicated to providing Canadian kids and their parents with life-enriching products and experiences. Other partners include Today's Parent - Canada's #1 Parenting magazine and Corus Entertainment - whose Family stations reach more Moms and kids than any other specialty television group. These offers include:
| $50 prepaid VISA gift card | Fun-filled Kids First activity book | |
| $25 Indigo Gift Card | Park 'n Fly savings | |
| $25 Shoppers Drug Mart Gift Card | Free airline seat selection | |
| 1 year subscription to Today's Parent magazine | Airport lounge passes |
Kids First Travel Bloggers
As part of the launch, Thomas Cook Travel is calling out to kids across Canada to submit their own vacation video reviews for a chance to become an official Kids First Travel Blogger, have their videos featured on the Thomas Cook website, and win a fantastic trip for four to Beaches Ocho Rios Resort & Golf Club. A number of secondary prizes will also be given out, including weekly giveaways of $100 gift cards from IndigoKids and movie passes and concessions for the whole family. For each entry received, Thomas Cook Travel will also make a donation to Starlight Children's Foundation, which benefits seriously ill children and their families across Canada, to help fulfill a child's special wish to go on a dream vacation. For more information on the program and how to enter the competition visit: thomascook.ca/kidsfirst
Notes to Editors
Thomas Cook Kids First: Kid Reviewed, Parent Approved
According to Corus' "Understanding Mom Research" 92% of moms say they care about how their child feels when it comes to family vacation decisions. Corus Family presents a series of studies focused on the needs and motivations of the family "gatekeeper" - Mom. The Understanding Mom study explores the world of mom; how she views her relationship and responsibilities and how these impact the way that marketers need to connect with this "super consumer".
As part of the Kids First program, Thomas Cook reached out to popular mommy bloggers and their kids to give their unbiased reviews of selected properties available through Thomas Cook Kids First. Their property reviews are featured on thomascook.ca/kidsfirst.
Kathy Buckworth (kathybuckworth.com), whose son Nicholas and daughter Bridget reviewed Jamaica's Sunset Beach Resort and Iberostar Rose Hall, says: "It can be hard for parents to know exactly what is going to appeal to their children on holidays. Hearing from other kids who have been to the destination really helps in deciding what destination will work best for a family."
Heather Greenwood Davis (globetrottingmama.com) whose son Ethan reviewed Sunset Jamaica Grande and Grand Bahia Jamaica, says "What I love about the Thomas Cook Kids First program is the fact that you (and your kids) get to hear about the resort straight from the mouths of kids just like yours. It's like an insurance policy on good times."
Candace Derrick (lifeinpleasantville.com) whose daughters Morgan and Ava reviewed Great Parnassus, Sandos Caracol and Ocean Coral in Mexico, says: "Thomas Cook Kids First Program helps eliminate guesswork by showing exactly what kids and parents can expect. I also love that children will be able to relate to the kid bloggers and help choose the destination that is right for their family."
About Thomas Cook Travel
Thomas Cook Travel is a full-service travel agency providing last-minute vacations, vacation packages, cruise vacations and flight deals. The company is part of Thomas Cook Group plc, one of the world's leading leisure travel companies. Operating in 21 countries, with a network of over 3,400 owned and franchised travel stores worldwide, in Canada the company has a total of 20 retail locations and employs 180 travel agents. Thomas Cook's collection of Canadian brands offer more than 250 years of combined travel industry experience in Canada. These include tour operators Sunquest Vacations, Holiday House, Fun Sun Vacations and Exotik Tours, as well as BelAirTravel.com. Thomas Cook also operates for Sears Travel's 101 retail shops nationwide as well as Searstravel.ca. For more information visit ThomasCook.ca or find them at facebook.com/Thomascooktravel.
About Indigo Books & Music Inc.
Indigo is Canada's largest purveyor of ideas and inspiration to enrich your life, with books, specialty toys, gifts and lifestyle enhancing products that affordably offer intrinsic quality, beauty and timeless design. Indigo is a publicly traded Canadian company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (IDG). As the largest book and specialty retailer in Canada, Indigo operates in all provinces under different banners including Indigo Books & Music; Chapters, The World's Biggest Bookstore, and Coles and the online channel, www.indigo.ca, features books, eBooks, toys, music and DVDs, and hosts the award-winning Indigo Online Community.
Image with caption: "Kids give Thomas Cook Kids First program their seal of approval. (CNW Group/Thomas Cook Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121114_C8120_PHOTO_EN_20659.jpg
SOURCE: Thomas Cook Canada
For more information or an interview opportunity with Jacqueline Grossman, please contact
Jessica Patriquin
PUNCH Canada
P:416-360-6522 x 245
[email protected]
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