Thomas Cook unveiled as £20 million London 2012 sponsor

By Duncan Mackay

October 20 - Travel operator Thomas Cook were today named as the 23rd sponsor of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics and have been appointed provide a range of short break packages that will include accommodation, transport and event tickets for the Games in a £20 million deal.

Thomas Cook’s appointment will ensure that sports fans and families across the UK have access to a wide range of ticket and accommodation packages, London 2012 officials claimed.

It follows the announcement in July that Ticketmaster has been appointed as the official ticketing services provider for the Games and been put in charge of selling 9.2 million tickets for the Games

Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012, said: "Our ticketing strategy is based on the principles of affordability and accessibility – we want to fill our stadiums in the summer of 2012 with sports fans and make it as easy as possible for families to travel to the Games.

"Our deal with Thomas Cook will do just that – offering ticket and accommodation packages.

"Thomas Cook is the perfect partner for us and will help us deliver our promise to make sure as many people as possible can see the action in 2012, no matter where they live."

Tickets and packages for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will go on sale in 2011 as part of Thomas Cook's Tier Two sponosrship, the level has an entry point of £20 million

It is estimated that more than 250,000 tickets - about three per cent of the total number - will be sold by Thomas Cook with short break and accommodation packages within the UK .

Manny Fontenla-Novoa, the Group chief executive officer for Thomas Cook Group plc said. "More than a century after Thomas Cook escorted British travelers to the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, it is a privilege to once again have the chance to give British families and sports fans the opportunity to experience such a rare and special event in their own country.

"As a company we are incredibly proud that Thomas Cook will be a leading brand in this most prestigious global event.

"The Olympic and Paralympic Games in the UK is such a rare and fantastic opportunity and will further enforce our position as the UK’s oldest and most trusted name in travel.”

To launch Thomas Cook’s support of the London 2012 Games, registration has been opened for those wishing to keep up to date on Thomas Cook packages to the London 2012 Games.

Everyone registering before December 20 this year (20-12) at a Thomas Cook store, or online, will be entered into a draw for an exclusive family weekend in London including a tour of the Olympic Park.

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