All Ski Deals
Dertour Group Expands UK Presence with Acquisition of Hotelplan Group.
After Ski Line first reported the sale of one of our most important tour operator partners back in December 2024, the official announcement has arrived this week.
German travel giant Dertour Group has strengthened its footprint in the UK travel market with the acquisition of Hotelplan Group, the parent company of renowned brands such as Inghams, Explore Worldwide, Santa’s Lapland, and Inntravel. This strategic move further cements Dertour’s position as a leading player in the global tourism industry.
A Landmark Deal in the Travel Industry
The acquisition covers four of Hotelplan’s five business units, including Hotelplan UK, while the specialist holiday home brand, Interhome, will be sold separately to HomeToGo Group. The financial details of the deal remain undisclosed and are subject to regulatory approval.
Despite the change in ownership, operations for all four Hotelplan UK brands will continue without disruption. Trade partners and customers can expect the same booking channels, contacts, and service quality they are accustomed to. Dertour has assured that all pre-booked holidays will proceed as planned, ensuring a seamless transition.
Commitment to Growth and Stability
Joe Ponte, Chief Executive of Hotelplan UK, expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating: “After a thorough process, we are pleased that Dertour Group has been confirmed as the new owner of Hotelplan Group. With its rich experience and deep industry roots, we are confident that our specialist brands, products, and teams will thrive under this new ownership.”
Dertour, which operates in 16 countries with over 130 companies and 10,000 employees, views this acquisition as a strategic enhancement of its portfolio. Hotelplan’s established brands bring additional diversity and expertise to the group’s already extensive tourism offerings.
Francis Torrilla, Interim Chief Executive of Dertour UK, highlighted the alignment between the two businesses: “The acquisition is a perfect fit with our strategy to expand our specialist travel brands in the UK. We are committed to retaining and supporting all of Hotelplan’s brands, which will complement our existing collection excellently.”
A Year in the Making
The sale comes exactly a year after Switzerland’s largest retail group, Migros, announced its intent to sell Hotelplan. Since then, a thorough evaluation process has led to Dertour’s successful bid, underscoring its long-term vision for the travel industry.
Dr. Ingo Burmester, Chief Executive of Dertour Central Europe, emphasized the broader benefits of the acquisition: “This deal brings clear advantages for employees, guests, and partners. Hotelplan will gain access to our global partner network, leading to operational efficiencies and an even wider range of travel offerings for customers.”
Future Outlook and Technological Synergies
Dertour is set to integrate Hotelplan’s brands into its scalable platform, leveraging digital innovations and economies of scale. The group intends to consolidate IT systems across reservations, bookings, and purchasing to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
Leif Vase Larsen, Dertour Chief Executive International, pointed to the group’s successful history in brand development: “We demonstrated this with our acquisition of Kuoni in 2015, and since then, its brands have flourished. We see the same potential with Hotelplan.”
Hotelplan UK’s employees will transition to Dertour upon completion of the deal, ensuring continuity for staff and customers alike. With this acquisition, Dertour reinforces its position as a powerhouse in the travel sector, promising innovation, stability, and a bright future for its newly acquired brands.
