Industry mourns death of top agent
Thursday, 21 Aug, 2009
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Alec Mitchell, who worked in the Scottish travel agency business for more than 60 years, has died at the age of 94.
ABTA and the Scottish Passengers Agents Association led tributes to the former managing director of Patons Travel Service in Aberdeen who started his career in the city as a clerk for Mackay Brothers.
Mtchell was recognised both as a member and honorary president of the SPAA and president of the Grand Order of European Tour Organisers.
His contribution to the city of Aberdeen was also recognised by his chairmanship of the Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board’s management committee.
He spent lengthy terms on ABTA’s former Tour Operators Council, board of directors and numerous committees, in particular the code of conduct committee, which he chaired for 16 years.
Mitchell was also a founder trustee of the ABTA Benevolent Fund.
ABTA awarded Mitchell the Garner Medal of Honour, its highest recognition for outstanding contribution to ABTA and the travel industry in general, in 1998.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Everyone who came into contact with Alec spoke very highly of him, he was a true gentleman and ABTA and the travel industry will be greatly diminished by his passing. He will be missed.”
Past SPAA president Sandy MacPherson said: “Alec was one of the most respected figures in the Scottish travel trade. He was a real character. Everybody was always delighted to see him in his later years whenever he appeared at a Scottish travel event.”
Jack Burnett, managing partner of Munro’s Travel Group, also paid tribute, saying: “The partners and staff of Munro’s Travel Group are deeply saddened to hear of the demise of Alec Mitchell.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Dodie and the family. He was one of nature’s gentlemen and well liked by everyone who met him.
“The Scottish travel trade has lost a ‘true legend’, a travel man for 60 years, who served the SPAA and ABTA and reached the highest office with both associations. It will be hard to find his like again.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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