ABTA staff were due to welcome Jill Dando into their Newman Street offices this Thursday.
Head of corporate affairs Keith Betton said: “We had arranged to go out for a drink and lunch with her.”
Betton said Jill took an immediate interest in the association as soon as she started presenting Holiday in 1992.
“She said she spent all this time seeing the good side of holidays, but knew nothing about ABTA and wanted to come in,” said Betton.
The last time Jill went to Newman Street, two years ago, Betton said she caused quite a scene as they were leaving the building. “I have never seen so many cars stop. There was nearly an accident as so many drivers were not looking at the road. She did look stunning,” he said.
Betton said ABTA staffed were devastated by last Monday’s shocking news. “We were very upset and stunned,” he said.
Cadogan Holidays sales and marketing director Tony Maniscalco said he was particularly impressed with her at last year’s Travel Weekly Globes awards when she agreed to have her picture taken with him.
“She was so charming and didn’t mind being asked at all,” he recalled.