Inghams Is Up For Sale

5th February 2024

Last modified on February 6th, 2024

The UK ski operator is owned by the Swiss company Hotelplan that is in turn owned by the supermarket chain Migros. Migros has decided to sell Hotelplan and all its travel businesses. UPDATED

Inghams is one of the oldest UK ski travel operators and was started by Walter Ingham in 1934.

It has grown to become one of the most trusted UK ski brands.

As well as Inghams, Hotelplan UK owns Ski Total, Ski Esprit and Santa’s Lapland that are also now for sale.

Also under the umbrella is the adventure travel specialist, Explore and Inntravel, which offers walking and cycling holidays.

All current and booked holidays will be unaffected by the decision to sell and will continue as normal.

“We never quite got the connection between a supermarket and a travel business, and we feel the brilliant and trusted travel brands that make up Hotelplan will thrive under new owners and perhaps new investment will add to the business,” said Angus Kinloch from the ski travel agent Ski Line that sells many Inghams’ holidays.

It is unclear whether Inghams and the other UK brands will be sold off in a deal including the Hotelplan travel businesses or whether it will be sold separately.

The tour operator also includes Vtours and the Interhome Group, which also operates in Germany with the Interhome and Inter Chalet brands.

The Hotelplan Group achieved record results in 2022 and 2023 and Migros says that that it sees even greater development opportunities for the company under new ownership.

Migros says it will concentrate on its retail, financial services, and healthcare businesses, but the successful future of Hotelplan is very important.

“Migros is no longer the ideal owner due to its strategic prioritisation, it intends to look for suitable buyers carefully,” said the President of the FMC Executive Board, Mario Irminger.

“We are specifically seeking new owners who have a strong foundation for successfully developing the companies further.”

The Hotelplan Group is the largest travel company in Switzerland, but is comparatively small in global terms.

Inghams digital interactive brochure for 2020-21

Image c/o Inghams

Inghams mainly offers holidays in Europe, but also has a couple of more far flung destinations such as Canada and Japan.

Its packages include flights from over 20 local airports around the UK.

Self-drive and train travel is also offered.

“This year, Hotelplan Group reported a record year for the second time in a row,” said the CEO of , Hotelplan Group, Laura Meyer.

“This is thanks to all the committed and highly competent Hotelplan Group employees.

“This means that the travel group has not only had two excellent years in operational terms, but has also been able to use the high level of travel demand as an opportunity.

“Hotelplan Group has also consistently implemented the Group strategy, optimised its portfolio, launched new products, pushed ahead with digitalisation and made the organisation more efficient.

“As a result, it occupies a very good position.

“The Executive Board would like to continue this success and sees new, ambitious ownership as an opportunity to continue to grow profitably.

“Nothing will change for Hotelplan Group’s customers and business partners during the search for new ownership.

“All business and brands will continue to run reliably as before.

“For employees, work will continue as usual without any significant changes.”