The co-chief executive of US specialist Ocean Holidays Group has hailed its travel agent partners for helping diversify its product mix beyond Florida and driving growth so far this year.
Speaking on a Travel Weekly Future of Travel Forum webcast, Harry Hastings said the trade now accounted for 20% of Ocean Florida package sales, with a roughly 50/50 split between its Florida stronghold and other US destinations.
This compares to an 80/20 split in favour of Florida in its direct business and follows a greater focus on the trade, which prior to the pandemic accounted for around 10% of business, predominantly through the Ocean Beds wholesale brand.
Hastings said Ocean Florida was around “half-way there” in establishing partnerships with leading agency groups and consortia, adding it was already working with “three of the biggest”.
He said: “We’re really enjoying working with the trade and listening to what our partners need. We don’t work with all consortia but we are open to more as we grow.”
Ocean Holidays celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and Hastings added: “The trade was the most successful business unit within Ocean Holidays throughout January, February and going into March as well.
“About 50% [of trade business] isn’t into Florida, it’s New York, California, Vegas and others. It’s really diversified the destinations we sell, so we’re delighted.
“It’s been a great experience and we’re making some really lovely friends along the way.”
Hastings said US demand was still being held back by a requirement for all travellers to be vaccinated, which could particularly impact larger groups including those with multiple families.
He said cancellations were significantly down on previous years, but around one in five were down to vaccination or medical reasons relating to Covid.
“If and when the vaccine mandate gets removed, I think that’s going to unleash some demand into the US,” he added.
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