Trade figures recognised in New Year Honours List

UKinbound chief executive Joss Croft has been recognised with an OBE for services to the tourism industry in the New Year Honours List. 

He joined the organisation in 2018 after more than 25 years spanning positions at the Department for International Trade and VisitBritain.

Croft also held posts at the former London Tourist Board and Convention Bureau, Parc du Futuroscope and Disneyland Paris Resort.

He said: “The news that I have received an OBE for services to the tourism industry has taken me completely by surprise.  Naturally, I am delighted but also humbled to have been nominated for the award, especially as many of the successful campaigns and other initiatives I have been involved with throughout my career are of course down to the efforts of so many fantastic and dedicated people.

“Both my team and the board at UKinbound have worked tirelessly to support me over the last two years through the toughest time that the industry has ever known, and I would like to pay tribute to them as they have enabled me to serve our members and the industry that I love, to the best of my abilities.”

Alison Cryer, founder of marketing, representation and PR company Representation Plus, is awarded with an MBE for services to tourism and hospitality.

Sonashah Shivdasani, founder of Soneva luxury resorts and Six Senses, receives an OBE in the international and overseas list for services to tourism, sustainability and charity.

Lynette Harrigan, marketing manager of the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, receives an MBE in the international list for services to international travel during the Covid-19 pandemic and to the community in the BVIs.

An MBE also goes to Tony Rapson, former head of the general aviation safety strategy study at the Civil Aviation Authority for services to general aviation and aviation safety.