Mansell, formerly group commercial director, will oversee operations across Hotelplan’s Inghams, Esprit Ski and Santa’s Lapland brands.

Hotelplan said now that tour operators were operational again and, following a successful winter season, the timing was right to bring back the historic role.

Mansell will join the Hotelplan UK board, joining senior leaders from the group’s Explore and Inntravel brands, as well as its chief executive Joe Ponte, chief financial officer, HR director and head of sustainability.

He joined the travel industry in 1987, working across a variety of firms throughout travel and tourism. He was one of the founding members of Style Holidays, and joined Hotelplan UK in 2008.

His promotion opens up a new head of commercial role for applications. Christie Green, Hotelplan UK head of reservations, has meanwhile been promoted to sales director.

Green joined Hotelplan UK in 2006 and was for more than a decade a key figure in the Esprit Ski reservations before her responsibility was widened to span Hotelplan’s Inghams and Santa’s Lapland brands too.

"John has spent 13 years working across the Inghams, Esprit and Santa’s Lapland brands," said Ponte. "From John’s previous role, he knows these brands very well and his knowledge and expertise have been invaluable throughout the pandemic.

"His experience and direction will be key in leading these three brands’ operations as we continue to build back better and take them to the next level. I know that he will be an absolute success in this expanded role."

Mansell added: "2022 follows what has been some of the most challenging years the travel industry has seen.

"I’m extremely proud to have worked alongside such a devoted and hardworking team of passionate people at Inghams, Esprit and Santa’s Lapland.

"Without their commitment and resolve we wouldn’t be in the fortunate position we are in today – taking people on the holidays they’ve long been waiting for, and celebrating what has been one of our most successful winters for quite a few years, even with the season’s slow start."