Heartfelt tributes have been paid to Alan Godfrey, the founder of New Era Travel, who died suddenly on Sunday (February 23) at the age of 56.
He had worked in travel since 1995 and was the founder of New Era Travel, an independent travel agency in Hampshire, with shops in Alresford and Wickham.
He was also a former owner of cruise specialist agency Ocean World Travel.
New Era Travel is a Fred Olsen Travel licensee.
Fred Olsen Travel managing director Steve Williams, who went to New Era Travel as the news was announced to staff today (February 25), said: “This has come as a real shock and is really upsetting. I’ve known Alan personally for 20 years and he was well known in the travel industry.
“He was really well-liked; he was a gentle man and respected in the travel industry.”
He added: “He was an Ipswich Town fan so we used to go to the football together. We had agreed we would spend more time together once I retired.”
Williams said Fred Olsen Travel would do whatever it could to help the business following Godfrey’s death. Godfrey was sole director but it is understood one of his sons hopes to take on the business.
“I went to the shop to give staff reassurance after losing their boss that Fred Olsen Travel is here to help them through this difficult period,” said Williams.
Clare Dudley, managing director at Ponders Travel, knew Alan for more than 20 years and described him as “a true gentleman, wonderful father, dedicated businessman and friend to so many”.
“I first met Alan onboard a Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Viking trip. It was my first and I was very nervous and many in the group were new to each other,” she told Travel Weekly, as she sent her thoughts to his family and travel colleagues.
“He instantly made me feel welcome and drew me into the group with a warm friendship I will never forget.
“He really was the kindest and most sincere man I have known in travel, and would be there for anyone, both in business and if you ever need a shoulder to cry on.
“I shall remember him with such fond memories and be glad I knew him and shared some wonderful travel memories together.”
Phil Nuttall, Travel Village Group chief executive, said on Facebook: “People often don’t quite understand how much travel is a part of my family.
“It’s when you lose someone who has been one of your best mates for years, someone who has supported me and I had the opportunity to reciprocate when times were tough – it really hits you hard.
“Alan Godfrey was my mate, my competitor but most of all a proper bloke, a respected travel person and a real family man.
“I’m going to miss you pal and I’m gutted I never had the chance to say goodbye and thank you. RIP.”