Carter, currently the company’s chief operating officer, will succeed Andy Perrin who will become part-time chairman of the UK group.
In a statement, Hotelplan UK which also owns brands including Inntravel, Esprit Ski and Ski Total, said the changes will come into effect from May 1.
Perrin said the shift in management heralded a “case of evolution, not revolution” for the operator.
“I’ve had seven challenging but fantastically enjoyable years as [chief executive], during which we have pulled away from the aftermath of the banking crash to build the successful and growing family of specialists that Hotelplan UK is today," he said.
“Now I feel it’s time to address that notoriously tricky work-life balance, and to pass the baton on to Paul and our strong, experienced management team. I look forward to continued close involvement as chairman with the team and the business, and to supporting them in our ambitions for further growth and development.”
Carter, who joined Hotelplan UK in September 2015, has previously held senior roles at RCI and Canvas Holidays - both of which are part of the Wyndham Worldwide Group.
He has worked in the tour operating and hospitality sectors all his life.
Carter said: “It has been hugely exciting over the last 18 months to come back into the world of genuinely specialist tour operating and I am relishing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our Group.
“We have a wonderful team of people and some really rich and deep industry experience here, and I can’t wait to see all that we will achieve together over the coming years.”
Thomas Stirnimann, Hotelplan Group chief executive added: “We owe huge thanks to Andy Perrin for his fantastic work this last seven years, and are delighted that he will be continuing with us as Hotelplan UK chairman.
“We are equally happy to be able to appoint a successor in Paul Carter, who in the last 18 months has already made a significant contribution to the positive development of Hotelplan UK.
"We wish both our colleagues all the best for a smooth handover, and continued success for all our UK team.”
