A host of travel industry leaders and one unsung hero have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list.
Virgin Atlantic chief executive Steve Ridgway was awarded a CBE for his services to civil aviation, while Trailfinders chairman Michael Gooley was awarded the same honour for his services to the travel industry and to charity.
Those given an OBE were Leeds Bradford international Airport chairman Anthony Cairns for services to civil aviation and Best of Travel managing director and founder Rita Sharma for her services to the travel industry.
John Grey, an 80-year-old shoeshiner for Virgin Atlantic passengers at Heathrow, was awarded an MBE in the list. Grey is head shoe shiner in the airline’s Heathrow Clubhouse and has shined over 50,000 shoes since joining Virgin over six years ago.