Tributes have been paid to travel entrepreneur and investor Haim Perry, who died on Tuesday aged 75 after a period of illness.
Perry founded accommodation-only website Hotels4U in 2003 and was its managing director when it was sold to Thomas Cook in 2008.
He remained with Cook following the sale, acting as its director of purchasing and group destination management until 2013.
In 2010 he became owner of the Fox and Hounds pub and restaurant in Surrey and was an investor and board member of several companies including foreign exchange and payments specialist Centtrip.
Industry accountant Chris Photi, head of travel and leisure at White Hart Associates, said he had last seen Perry at his “favourite table” at the Fox and Hounds at Easter.
He said: “Haim (or simply Perry as he was known to all) was a larger-than-life character – a generous host with a never-ending catalogue of interesting tales. He was well travelled and engaging.
“The travel industry has become very corporate – Haim was not corporate – he was one of the old school entrepreneurs on which this great industry was built which is something that is too readily forgotten.”
Photi added: “His travel industry career had its ups and downs but ultimately culminated in the sale of his Hotels4u.com business to Thomas Cook in 2008. My thoughts are with his wife Carol and their extended family whom Haim worshipped. RIP Haim.”
Suntransfers global B2B director Andy Baker, who worked for Perry at Hotels4U, said on Facebook: “Raising a glass to the big man tonight. A great boss and mentor for almost 10 years. Really sad to hear the news. Thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
He added: “Perry’s legendary approach to dealing with any challenge or opportunity and his charismatic way of getting the best out of everyone who worked with him generated love and respect from all.”
Photo courtesy of Images of Polo.