Tributes have been paid to Sunvil’s financial controller Ismet Emin, who has died after contracting coronavirus.
Emin (pictured, left, with industry friends including Sunvil managing director Chris Wright), who was in his early 50s, joined the tour operator in 2008 and previously worked for Inspirations and Style Holidays.
He died on Thursday night, April 16, having been admitted to West Middlesex Hospital.
Sunvil chairman Noel Josephides said: “We had of course been very worried about Issy since he was admitted to West Middlesex Hospital about 10 days ago. Despite him being in intensive care, we were all hoping for the best.
“This morning we heard the very sad news that he had passed away last night. We feel immensely sad for his wife, Vicky, and his children. There were many tears shed during Sunvil’s conference call this morning, when most people first heard the awful news. Issy was a big part of Sunvil’s family team too, of course.”
Josephides added: “He was a charming and fun colleague, and he understood our complex industry’s challenges extremely well. He had just joined Abta’s Membership Committee and was relishing the new challenges presented by this role; the Committee will be the poorer without his sage and knowledgeable advice, honed via years of travel industry experience.”
Managing director Chris Wright said: “Issy was a much-loved member of the team; we’ve had so many lovely messages today, pouring in from across the industry. Issy was my long-suffering sidekick for [industry fundraiser] the Travel Trade Crusade. Most people would have ditched me after the breakdown in year one; he stuck with me, participating enthusiastically, through three crusades, with breakdowns unfortunately happening every time.
“Issy will be sorely missed on so many fronts. He was a personal friend as well as a strong part of our management team at Sunvil and GIC The Villa Collection. Our thoughts are, of course, very much with his family.
“I, for one, will always remember his calm, invaluable and carefully-measured advice. I think I speak for everyone within Sunvil when I say we will never forget you, Issy.”