Jet2holidays product general manager Emma Gray is taking the helm of specialist operator Inntravel following the departure in April of managing director Karl Watson after 17 years.
Inntravel, part of the Swiss Hotelplan Group of companies including Inghams, Esprit Ski, Santa’s Lapland and Explore, specialises in non-group ‘slow’ holidays.
It offers some 300 self-guided walking and cycling holidays, as well as journeys by rail and winter holidays, mostly in Europe.
Hotelplan UK chef executive Joe Ponte said: “Karl has led Inntravel for an incredible 17 years and is leaving Inntravel in such great shape.
“The last two years have brought with them a host of challenges yet, nevertheless, Inntravel has been endorsed as the Which? recommended provider for self-guided tours and, only this month, Inntravel won the Feefo Platinum Trust Service award for delivering exceptional experiences.
“These recognitions are a testament to Karl’s leadership, and I personally thank him for his dedication to Inntravel over such a long period of time.
“Whilst it is sad to see Karl go, I am excited to welcome Emma to Inntravel as Karl’s successor.
“Emma joins with a great background and capability as well as a passion for the Inntravel way.
“I am confident that under her leadership Inntravel will continue to grow in the UK and expand into new markets.”
Gray, who becomes managing director in May, said: “Having long admired Inntravel for its immersive holidays and high standards of customer service, I am very much looking forward to starting my own Inntravel ‘journey’ and to getting to know the team.
“Post pandemic, there are many exciting opportunities out there and I am excited to lead the next phase of Inntravel’s growth and expansion.”
Watson said: “Since I joined, Inntravel has grown from a respected small family-run firm to a thriving travel company with a really effective tight-knit team of over 70.
“I’ve been lucky to work alongside so many inspiring people across the whole industry, but now it’s time for someone new to lead Inntravel into its next major phase of development. And I’m delighted to be handing the reins over to someone as capable as Emma.”