Travel industry figures recognised in King’s first birthday honours list

Travel industry names have been recognised in King Charles’ first official birthday honours list.

Broadcaster, entrepreneur and blind traveller Amar Latif, founder and chief executive of touring company Traveleyes specialising in supporting blind travellers, received an OBE for services to the visually impaired and to entrepreneurship.

Hilton Group EMEA executive vice president Simon Vincent was awarded a CBE for services to the tourism industry.

Heathrow head of airport operations Kelly Stone received a CBE for services to women in aviation engineering.

Former Merlin Entertainments chief executive Nick Varney, who stood down last year, received a knighthood for services to the visitor economy.

Stephen Welton, who was chief executive of TV Travel Shop for two years from 1999, is recognised with a CBE for services to small business and entrepreneurship. He is founder and chair of equity capital investment firm BGF.

Visit England director Andrew Stokes was recognised for services to tourism with an OBE.

MBEs went to Janice Gault, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation for services to tourism and hospitality and Valerie Margaret Hawkins, chief executive of Mid Wales Tourism for services to tourism and the economy in Wales.

They were among more than 1,000 recipients awarded for their outstanding contributions across all sectors and parts of the UK.

Individuals have been recognised for being inspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and philanthropists, according to the Cabinet Office.

Deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden said: “Our honours system has long been a way of recognising people who make an incredible contribution to life in Britain and beyond.

“We are now focussed on levelling up the system to ensure it represents the length and breadth of the country, and I hope that the fantastic stories this year ensure more regional nominations in the future.”