The history of Inghams

Walter Ingham began advertising his private ski party to the Austrian Tyrol in national newspapers at a cost of 12 guineas for 14 nights! The first group travelled out over the Christmas holiday. That same winter he organised four or five more trips to Austria.

Walter extended operations into the French Alps in winter and French seaside resorts in Summer.

When the war broke out, Walter joined the army, serving until 1948. Walter later re-started his travel business in New Bond Street.

The First snow trains to the Alps began and introduced 'dancing cars' in which customers would party the night away as they rattled across the continent.

Walter sold the business to Hotelplan Ltd so he could get out from behind the desk and get back onto the slopes in the winter and sailing on his boat in the summer. By this point he was sending 14,000 people skiing per year.

Inghams started to focus its attention on Austria, Italy and Switzerland, with prices from just £34-36 for eight days of skiing. Wouldn’t that be nice these days!

By the early 80's Inghams was carrying 52,000 passengers per year, of which 25,000 passengers were for summer.

The golden year, Inghams celebrates their 50th Anniversary! Carrying 27,000 passengers for winter holidays.

Between 1988-1993, Inghams voted Best Winter Sports Operator by Travel Agents

Towards the end of the 90's, Inghams launched their holidays to Lapland, offering customers a unique travel experience.

Hotelplan purchased the award-winning walking holiday specialist, Inntravel, who are the UK's leading provider of self-guided walking.

Hotelplan acquired the Enigma Travel Group, comprising of Santa’s Lapland.

Inghams celebrated its 80th anniversary, and by 2015 Hotelplan took acquisition of Explore Worldwide.

Inghams rebranded with a renewed celebration of their passion for the great outdoors to encourage their guests to ski the slopes, walk the walks and explore the Lapland wilderness with a new feel and look to the brand.