Inghams pinpoints ‘key challenges’ despite progress in emmissions reduction

Inghams and Santa’s Lapland have claimed a fall in emmissions impact while conceding that challenges remain.

A new impact report shows a 19% emissions intensity reduction for Inghams, a 16% fall for Santa’s Lapland and 25% for Inghams Ski since a baseline measurement year in 2022.

The operators outline “key challenges” such as more than 80% of their emissions coming from flights. 

Despite a 60% increase in train kilometres travelled by permanent employees for work, there has also been a rise in business travel emissions due to more flights being taken, the report disclosed.

Expanding into more “snow-sure” destinations such as Norway presents a challenge for providing lower-carbon transport options as it is difficult to reach by rail.

Inghams expanded its rail offering during 2025, meaning 30% of resorts are now reachable by rail and 72% of resorts in France are now rail bookable. 

As a result, Inghams saw a 14% increase in holidaymakers choosing to take the train instead of flying, saving 113,000kg of C02 - the equivalent to driving around the world 15 times, the report noted.

Inghams Ski was described as “tracking especially well” against a 25% emissions intensity (per person, per night) reduction since the baseline in 2022 and a decrease of 9% year on year. 

The company said: “To achieve this reduction, Inghams has continued to implement changes across many areas of its operations. 

“Some of these changes include more guests staying in lower carbon accommodation and changes in how customers as well employees, get to resort. 

“It’s important to note that some of the reductions this year have resulted from an increase in fuel efficiency by airline partners and in addition, changes to government conversion factors for Radiative Forcing [which accounts for the additional climate impact of burning fuel at altitude].”

John Mansell, managing director of Inghams and Santa’s Lapland, said: “In 2025 we saw some brilliant momentum, including the publishing of our first Nature & Climate Action Plan 2030, a vision and clear direction for the next five years.

“In this year’s report, we outline the steps we’ve taken over the last year to reach our planet and people goals.

“We’ve been open and honest about the challenges we face as tour operators and I’m very proud of the progress we’ve made so far. 

“The achievements and ambitions of our brands are not just milestones, they’re signals of our intent and belief that tourism can create genuine, lasting value for people and places.”