Gray, Jet2holidays’ general manager of product, will assume the role in May. She will take over from long-serving Inntravel managing director Karl Watson, who will leave the business in April after 17 years.
Inntravel is part of the Hotelplan stable, which also includes Inghams, Esprit Ski, Santa’s Lapland and Explore; it specialises in non-group mainly European "slow holidays", including more than 300 self-guided walking and cycling tours, as well as rail and other winter options.
“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 getting to know the team," said Gray. "Post-pandemic, there are many exciting opportunities out there, and I am excited to lead the next phase of Inntravel’s growth and expansion."
Remarking on his tenure, 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. I’m delighted to be handing the reins over to someone as capable as Emma.”
Hotelplan UK chief executive Joe Ponte added: "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."
