Inghams Bought by German Travel Group
13th February 2025
Last modified on February 16th, 2025
The DERTOUR Group has taken over Hotelplan UK that runs Inghams and its sister ski company, Santa’s Lapland. The new owner says it’s business as usual.
The takeover will take place as soon as possible – subject to the approval of the relevant authorities.
The parties have agreed not to disclose the terms of the transaction.
Inghams will continue to operate as usual and all booked holidays will take place as arranged.
Hotelplan UK employees will be transferred upon completion of the acquisition.
Dertour UK currently has around 650 UK employees.
Hotelplan UK employees will be transferred over to the group upon the deal’s completion, should it gain regulatory approval.
Hotelplane UK also owns Explore Worldwide and Inntravel brands.
Inghams has recently celebrated its 90th birthday
Inghams 90th Birthday Bash. Image © PlanetSKI
“We are delighted to take over the Hotelplan Group with its strong collection of travel brands and lead them to further growth in our tourism network, with clear advantages for employees, guests and partners,” said the CEO of Central Europe and Executive Board member of DERTOUR Group, Dr Ingo Burmester.
“We already share common values with Hotelplan Group. These include excellent customer experience, personalised advice and sustainability.”
The DERTOUR Group is represented in 16 countries with over 130 companies and more than 10,000 employees.
In tourism today, IT systems for reservations, bookings, purchasing and production are key factos to success.
The major tour operator brands in the Hotelplan Group are likely to benefit from the scalable platform of the DERTOUR Group.
At the same time, the DETOUR Group will aim to benefit from the investments in digital solutions made by the Hotelplan Group.
“We are looking forward to this new chapter with DERTOUR Group as the new owner of our travel retail and tour operating business in Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom,” said the CEO of Hotelplan Group, Laura Meyer.
“DERTOUR Group shares our passion for travel and brings exciting opportunities for our company and our customers – and they value our dedicated and talented teams.”
Les Arcs, France. Image © PlanetSKI
The UK companies were owned by the Swiss group, Hotelplan, that was in turn owned by Migros and were put on the market a year ago as we reported at the time.
Esprit Ski, which specialised in family skiing, and was owned by Hotletplan UK has since ceased trading.
Some of its holidays have been absorbed into Inghams.
“It is a welcome move and good to see one of the UK’s most respected and oldest ski operators being acquired by a reputable company with a proven track record in the global holiday industry,” said the PlanetSKI editor, James Cove.
“It remains to be seen what changes are made and the direction the Detour Group takes the companies in.”
“After a thorough process, we are pleased Dertour Group has been confirmed as the new owner of Hotelplan Group, including our UK-based brands Inghams, Explore Worldwide, Inntravel and Santa’s Lapland.,” said the Hotelplan UK chief executive, Joe Ponte.
Image c/o Inghams Ski”Dertour Group has a long history and rich experience in the industry and we’re confident our specialist brands, products and people will continue to flourish under this new ownership.”
“My message is clear,” added Dr Burmester.
“Today is a good day for employees, guests and partners.
“The move creates continuity and further strengthens the Hotelplan Group’s popular brands and we’re looking forward to the opportunity it presents.”
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