Moore’s early days in adventure travel saw him work in, or visit, more than 120 countries and he went on to launch Explore in 1981 alongside Travers Cox.
He acted as the company’s operations director for two decades before the business was sold to Holidaybreak Group in March 2000.
John Telfer, Explore’s former managing director and current non-executive director of parent Hotelplan UK, told TTG: "Explore owes its creation to Derek Moore. Derek was first and foremost an incredible traveller".
"He created the then-totally-novel concept of small group adventure – holidays to distant destinations all over the world for just two or three weeks, rather than the epic overland journeys taking months that had previously prevailed.
“He was, quite unknowingly, a pioneer of sustainable travel. He believed completely in the relationship between travellers and the communities they travel through, and our need to protect them and for them to benefit.”
Telfer said Moore’s later work as chair of Aito had “created a ripple effect through the entire sector”.
“On a personal level, I’ll always be grateful to Derek - like so many people, he gave me the dream job of tour leading which eventually led to a career in travel - and he taught me so much,” added Telfer.
Also paying tribute to Moore was Fran Hughes, who left a message on TTG’s website thanking him for helping kick-start her own travel career.
“Truly saddened by this news. Derek was indeed a legend. I started my career in travel as an Explore tour leader in the 1990s and have so much to thank him for. I think we all do,” she said.
Michael Edwards, Explore’s current managing director, said the company was “saddened” by Moore’s death, calling him “such an integral character not just in the history of Explore… but the travel industry as a whole”.
“And particularly in the sustainability space, where he was a true pioneer. He will be greatly missed by many,” said Edwards.
