Travel industry veteran Molly Bales has died at the age of 89.
She ran operator Bales Worldwide after taking over from her husband George, who started the 65-year-old business known for tailor-made holidays to China, India, Egypt and Latin America.
Bales Worldwide was sold to Virgin Holidays in 2009, retaining its name and offices in Dorking, Surrey. Bales’ daughter Mandy Nickerson stayed on as managing director.
Molly Bales passed away last week with her family at her bedside after a short illness.
Friends described her as an “energetic woman full of wise words of wisdom” who “loved to travel”.
She continued to speak at industry events into her 80s, including the ITT Odyssey Dinner at the House of Commons in 2010.
Details of her funeral are yet to be confirmed.