Adventure operator Explore sold
Inghams’ parent company Hotelplan UK has bought adventure tour operator Explore Worldwide and specialist Regaldive for an undisclosed sum.
Farnborough-based Explore has operated small group adventure holidays since 1981 and runs 500 tours across 120 countries.
Regaldive was founded in 1988 and specialises in diving tours and is based in Ely in Cambridgeshire.
Both brands had been owned by Cox & Kings since 2011 when it bought their parent company Holidaybreak.
Hotelplan has not announced any personnel changes and Ashley Toft will continue to manage Explore and Regaldive will continue under Andreas Elia.
Both brands will continue to operate from their current locations.
Hotelplan UK chief executive Andy Perrin, said: "We are thrilled to welcome two such highly respected companies to our existing family of specialist travel brands.
"Hotelplan UK has a strong tradition of excellence and high standards of quality and service, so as successful, growing businesses with tremendous customer loyalty and highly experienced teams with incredibly deep product expertise, both Explore and Regaldive fit perfectly with the overall philosophy, direction and ambition of the Hotelplan Group."
Explore managing director Ashley Toft said: "It is an exciting time for all of us at Explore, with both our own company and the wider adventure travel sector growing fast.
"We are looking forward to joining forces with the enthusiastic team of like-minded travel people at Hotelplan."
Regaldive director Andreas Elia said: "I look forward to seeing our business continue to prosper as part of the Hotelplan Group."
Hotelplan UK’s existing portfolio include Inghams, family travel specialist Esprit Holidays, chalet specialist Ski Total, Santa’s Lapland and self-guided walking and cycling specialist Inntravel.
Holidaybreak group chief executive Peter Kerkar said: "Our decision to sell Explore is undertaken following strong interest in its acquisition by trade buyers.
"We recognise that the continuation of its recent strong performance will be best facilitated by a dedicated tour operating group such as Hotelplan UK. We wish the management team and employees every success for the future
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026