Tributes have poured in to Worldwide Attractions co-founder and joint managing director Gale Carlill.
Carlill passed away last Wednesday (March 20) aged 55 following a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer.
Business partner Claire Leroux, who co-founded the Teddington-based travel trade representation company in 2003, described Carlill as an “exceptional person”.
“She touched so many people with her thoughtfulness, intelligence and professionalism,” said Leroux. “Gale was not only my business partner for 16 years, but also my closest friend.
“Founding and then developing Worldwide Attractions was both a privilege and a joy.
"Gale’s drive to get business for her clients was second to none, but we also had so much fun working together along the way.
“She will be immensely missed by her colleagues, clients and all her friends in the travel industry.”
Leroux also passed TTG further tributes from Worldwide clients past and present, as well as buyers and other travel industry figures.
“My company would not be where it is today if it were not for Gale’s brilliance, intellect, industry knowledge, and tact,” read one.
“Gale always knew precisely how to best approach a prospective customer, what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. I learned a tremendous amount from working with Gale.”
Another added: “She was an extremely lovely, intelligent and heart-warming person with superb attention to detail and enthusiasm – and a passion for her job like no other. She will be fondly remembered by me, always.”