Staff at Sunvil have paid tribute to their long-time financial controller, Issy Emin (pictured left), who died from Covid-19 on Thursday night.
Sunvil chairman Noel Josephides said there were many tears shed at the operator’s conference call on Friday morning.
Issy had been in the travel industry for some time, having worked at Inspirations and Style Holidays before joining Sunvil in 2008.
"We had of course been very worried about Issy since he was admitted to West Middlesex Hospital about 10 days ago. Despite him being in intensive care, we were all hoping for the best," said Josephides on Friday.
"This morning we heard the very sad news that he had passed away last night. We feel immensely sad for his wife, Vicky, and his children. There were many tears shed during Sunvil’s conference call this morning, when most people first heard the awful news. Issy was a big part of Sunvil’s family team too, of course.
"He was a charming and fun colleague, and he understood our complex industry’s challenges extremely well. He had just joined ABTA’s Membership Committee and was relishing the new challenges presented by this role; the Committee will be the poorer without his sage and knowledgeable advice, honed via years of travel industry experience."
Chris Wright, Sunvil’s managing director, added: "Issy was a much-loved member of the team; we’ve had so many lovely messages today, pouring in from across the industry.
"Issy was my long-suffering sidekick for the Travel Trade Crusade fund-rasising chase (Issy and Chris pictured left). Most people would have ditched me after the breakdown in year one; he stuck with me, participating enthusiastically, through three crusades, with breakdowns unfortunately happening every time!
"Issy will be sorely missed on so many fronts. He was a personal friend as well as a strong part of our management team at Sunvil and GIC The Villa Collection. Our thoughts are, of course, very much with his family.
"I, for one, will always remember his calm, invaluable and carefully-measured advice. I think I speak for everyone within Sunvil when I say we will never forget you, Issy."
