Industry to celebrate his life after Colin Heal dies

It’s time to celebrate the life of a great man says the Travel Network Group after president Colin Heal passed away during the consortium’s annual conference at the weekend.

The conference was brought forward to clear delegates from the area after Heal, in his 80s, collapsed in the foyer of the Golf Hotel in Lake Bled, Slovenia, with a suspected heart attack on Saturday.

Paramedics were called to the hotel but were unable to resuscitate him.

Chairman of Worldchoice parent Travel Network Group, Simon Hargreaves, told delegates he had passed away at the end of the opening sessions and they raised their glasses to the industry stalwart at the Gala Dinner.

The night before, Heal had been at the welcome party chatting to delegates and dancing with his wife.

A spokeswoman at the Travel Network Group said: "The irony is that he absolutely loved conferences.

"I did speak to his wife Valerie and she said take it from me, he would want you to carry on.

"Colin loved the destination. He fell in love with it when he went to do the recce last year. He was always involved in securing the destination. He was great at speaking to tourist boards and driving a deal. He had amazing stamina and energy as well as being mentally very astute.

 "Everyone was very shocked when it was announced. But there were no tears. There was a sadness that he had passed away but recognition of the man and the contribution he had made.

"People weren’t mourning. It didn’t cast a shadow. People were talking about him and wanted to talk about him. People wanted to remember him.

"We’ve got to draw a line and celebrate the life of a great man."

Colin’s wife Valerie flew home on the charter flight with the other delegates last night. His body is expected to be repatriated in the next few days with details of the funeral to follow.

Tributes have been flooding in from across the industry as they reflect on his life and career within the industry, see other story.

Simon Hargreaves, chairman of Worldchoice parent Travel Network Group, said: "Colin was a major part of our company and the industry at large, and I know that he will be greatly missed by all his industry friends and colleagues. His contribution to the UK travel industry was immense – he was a true legend.

"Our thoughts are with his wife Valerie and his family at this very sad time."

ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer described Heal as an "absolute gentleman and a true travel professional".

Tanzer said: "He will be sorely missed."

Former ABTA chairman and Advantage chief executive John McEwan said: "Colin was a real gentleman and a good friend. He made a great contribution to the travel industry and will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with Valerie and their family. God bless Colin."