Tributes have been paid following the death of travel trade ‘legend’ Roy Brabender.
Brabender has been described as one of the most well known and respected figures in the travel agency community in Scotland from the 1960s to 2000s.
The former managing director of Donald Mackenzie Travel in Glasgow for many years, Brabender was president of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association for three separate terms in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s – the only person to have held the role three times.
He was also chairman of the Scotway consortium and founding chairman of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Retail Consortium (SPARC), set up in 2000.
Brabender, affectionately known as RAB, was also involved in the creation of international airlines organisation Iata’s billing and settlement plan (BSP) and a long-serving director of Abta. He was said to have missed out on a term as Abta president by a single vote during the 1990s.
Brabender, who was also a keen and talented golfer, was recognised during his career for his “unswerving commitment” to all partners in the UK travel business but especially travel agents and wholesalers.
In Scotland, he was a sought-after speaker on travel industry matters and a popular chairman of the SPAA’s annual dinner, known for his “integrity, straight-talking, courtesy and warmth”.
Former SPAA presidents were among those to pay heartfelt tributes to the former leading Scottish travel agent.
Roddie MacPhee, senior manager, Barrhead Travel, said: “Roy Brabender’s passion for the travel industry was always evident and he was not afraid to face any challenge that came his way.
“He was hugely admired, not only in Scotland but across the UK industry and his contribution to the SPAA was indeed immense. During my own term as president, I was most grateful for the guidance and unwavering support received from Roy in his capacity as my vice president.
“Roy was a true legend and will be sadly missed by all his friends and acquaintances.”
Another past president Jimmy Martin said: “I was very sad to hear of Roy’s passing. A true legend in the Scottish travel trade, I had the privilege of knowing him for many years throughout my career.
“His legacy will always be making sure that Scotland always had a voice on the main stage in travel. My sincere condolences go to Roy’s family.”
Current SPAA president Joanne Dooey added: “Roy played a massive part in the history of the Scottish travel trade. He was a true inspiration to many of us in the trade.”
John de Vial Abta director of membership and financial services, also paid tribute. He said: “Roy Brabender was a remarkable man, a legend in the Scottish travel industry and a widely respected member of Abta. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, he will be greatly missed.”