LONDON, August 16, 2016
Ocean Holidays has signed a three-year partnership to become the official travel supplier for West Ham United Football Club. The deal comes at an exciting time as the club prepares to move into its iconic new home stadium, previously used for the 2012 London Olympic games.
Ocean Holidays is run by two sets of brothers, Daniel and David Ox, and Harry and George Hastings. The award-winning company employs more than 150 people at its head-office in central Romford.
Harry Hastings, co-chief executive of Ocean Holidays, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting West Ham, our local premiership team, at this incredibly exciting time as they move into the London 2012 Olympic stadium.”
West Ham United’s vice-chairman Baroness Karren Brady CBE, said: “At a time when the club is growing its international portfolio, it is all the more important that we remain true to our rich heritage and so it is particularly pleasing to have joined forces with a prominent local business.
“On behalf of all at West Ham United, I would like to welcome Ocean Holidays on board and I hope this is the start of a very successful relationship over the coming three years.”
Ocean Holidays’ brands, Ocean Florida, Ocean California and luxury division Winged Boots, specialise in tailor-made travel to destinations all over the world. Its travel experts will be able to assist the club in ensuring all travel arrangements are hassle-free, meaning the players are able to perform to their best ability on the pitch.
Daniel Ox, Ocean Holidays’ co-chief executive, added: “This is a landmark partnership for Ocean Holidays, one that we are confident will allow us to take the business to the next level, proving that businesses like ours are still investing post-Brexit.”
George Hastings, managing director of Ocean Florida, commented: “Ocean Florida is Europe’s largest independent Florida specialist. This, coupled with West Ham’s family-friendly policy, makes this a perfect match.”
The partnership forms an important part of Ocean Holidays’ strategy to broaden its reach. As part of the agreement, Ocean Holidays will be screening Ocean Florida’s debut TV advertisement on the new stadium’s two huge indoor digital screens, the largest in any European football stadium, and the group has access to exclusive hospitality at home games. The partnership also means Ocean Holidays will be offering exclusive travel deals to supporters, players and staff across social media channels, via the West Ham website, the match-day programme and the Ocean Florida site.
Ocean Holidays’ luxury division, Winged Boots, is also set to benefit from the partnership. David Ox, managing director of Winged Boots, commented: “We started out 14 years ago by organising bespoke trips for footballers and discerning city workers, and so this deal is a perfect fit for us.
“We’re looking forward to entertaining key contacts, customers and suppliers at this fabulous new ground. The team at Winged Boots will also be taking care of the travel arrangements for the team for overseas pre-season friendly matches, and mid-season warm weather training.”
