Aito confirmed Moore’s passing on Monday (30 January) after a lengthy illness, through which he continued to contribute to the association.

Karen Simmonds, founder of London agency Travel Matters and the Make Travel Matter campaign, met Moore for the first time in 2017; she said he was not only a "truly amazing" role model for the industry, but someone who had had a major impact on her own journey in travel. 

"I owe it to him in helping me shape the Make Travel Matter campaign," said Simmonds. "I loved reading his book [Tales of a Rogue on the Road] about his travels and globe trotting experiences.

"I am deeply saddened to hear this announcement and my thoughts and prayers are with his precious family at this time."

Suzel Taber-Shaw, who was managing director of ex-Aito member Scandinavia Only and Taber Holidays, said: It is hard to think of Aito without Derek; he was such an enormous part of what makes the Aito family.

"His down-to-Earth approach to pretty much everything was informative, inspiring and comforting in equal measure. He cared."

Tourism marketing expert and Sri Lanka specialist Jean-Marc Flambert was another to pay tribute to Moore’s impact on his career. "Derek was a true gentleman and leader," said Flambert.

"He mentored me for a little over a year. We met monthly, allowing me to share my business plans and ideas. He was always very sharp in pointing out areas to improve or build on. RIP great man."

Martin Johnson, TTG 30 Under 30 alumnus and co-founder of Aito member Latin Routes and Polar Routes, said: “[I’m] sorry to be reading this news today. Had a lot of respect for Derek’s amazing achievements and enjoyed speaking and listening to him at Lata and Aito events over the years.”

Marietta Maidman, who worked for Aito as trade partnerships manager prior to the pandemic, added: "[I’m] so very sorry to read this – he was a lovely man and a joy to work with when I worked at Aito. I am sure he will be sadly missed by Aito, Explore and all who knew him."

Moore co-founded Explore in 1981 and went on to play an instrumental role with Aito after selling the business in 2000, serving as chair of the association for more the decade.

Prior to the pandemic, he set up The Derek Moore Foundation to ensure some of the proceeds from the sale of Explore went to good causes in small communities around the world.