Tui’s Burling retires from Family Holiday Charity role

Tui Group executive David Burling has retired from his role as trustee of Family Holiday Charity after 15 years.

He joined the charity, which was formerly known as the Family Holiday Association, in 2008.

Currently chief executive for markets and airlines, he has held several senior roles with Tui while a trustee, including responsibility for the Northern Region Markets, and being managing director for Tui UK & Ireland between 2011 and 2015.

Charity chair Philippa Harris paid tribute to his service as an “invaluable” trustee.

“In spite of his very busy, high-powered job, he always found time to support the board of trustees with his measured, experienced and encouraging advice,” she said.

“He has been especially helpful helping us forge a way through significant changes with our new team, brand and direction. We will all miss him, and we wish him well for the future.”

During the pandemic, the charity had to make the difficult decision to not send any families away and preserve its resources.

The charity said his insights and forecasting were vital to help the charity through this difficult period, and his retirement now gives him time to focus on the challenges facing the travel sector.

Burling commented: “It has been encouraging to see the charity move forward – changing operations to better suit families and working to turn around fundraising activity.

“I leave the charity in safe hands and feel confident that the Board is strengthened by new trustees like Julia [Lo-Bue Said, chief executive at Advantage Travel Partnership] who will continue to provide expertise around the travel sector.

“I’ll always be a supporter and advocate for the charity, which makes such a difference to families facing tough times.”