Nigel Bishop, former chief executive of the Guild of Travel & Tourism, has died.
Bishop, who was 82, had a long-standing involvement with The Guild of Travel and Tourism, a leading international travel trade association for professionals working in travel, tourism and hospitality, since it was established in 1994.
The guild is a member of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Bishop was chair of the transport advisory committee and a chamber council member.
Prior to his work with the guild, Bishop was a UK business manager for British Airways.
Tributes have been paid to Bishop for his commitment and dedication to supporting professionals and promoting best practice in the travel industry.
Friends said he would be remembered for his kindness, integrity and sense of humour as well as his significant contribution to aviation and the travel industry.
Doina Cruttenden, who set up corporate travel agency Universal Business Travel in 1998, described Bishop as a good, kind friend who was well-respected.
“I would say he was a true English gentleman to the end,” she said.
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry ambassador Ian Weatherhead also called Bishop a “true gentleman” who “cared about giving assistance and help to business.”
He said: “I knew Nigel when I was in the international division of the London Chamber of Commerce and Nigel was with British Airways. He was always at hand to assist British companies travelling overseas to export their products and services, and giving advice as to the best ways to travel.
“At the time I was also a member of the Institute of Travel Managers at the London Chamber of Commerce, and he was always on-call to assist with any travel matter.”
He added: “Every Christmas Nigel organised a Lunch for The Institute of Travel Managers at the RAF Club in Piccadilly and always the highlight of the year. Nigel will be truly missed.”
The funeral is being held on Monday, May 13, at 10am at the Church of Our Lady of Grace and St Edward, 247 High Road, Chiswick, W4 4PU.
Cremation follows at 11.20am at Mortlake Crematorium, Kew Meadows Path, Town Meadow Road, TW9 4EN, and afterwards at The Black Lion pub, South Black Lion Lane, W6 9TJ. Those who knew Nigel are invited to attend.