John passed away peacefully on May 19 and has been described by his former Sunvil colleagues as a “gentle grandfather figure” with a lifelong passion for languages and travel.

Born in Ethiopia in 1927, John, said Sunvil, was an “innovator in the truest sense”, a man for whom tourism should always be a tool for good.

It was this vision that saw him set up Cyprus Property Tours in 1968. The aim was to allow islanders to rent their rural homes to visitors to sustain Cyprus’ village communities as its economic assets moved to the coast.

In 1970, tour operator Sunvil was formed and it was then John began working with Noel Josephides, first as an agent and later as a partner.

John’s ethos and beliefs underpinned Sunvil’s approach to holidays and had a significant impact on Josephides, who is now Sunvil chairman, Abta chairman and director of Aito.

Nearly 50 years later and Sunvil is every bit as committed to the island, promoting its rural properties and hotels and working to promote tourism on the island while empowering its communities.

“Find the real country, Sunvil’s strapline, is all about the company’s desire for its holidays to benefit host communities and to offer its guests an immersive experience; this will be John’s lasting legacy,” said the tour operator in tribute.

John saw the industry he loved grow, change and develop over many years. He was passionate to the very end, spending time in the Sunvil office daily until just weeks before his passing while remaining and active member of the board.

He will be remembered, said the Sunvil team, for his extraordinary grasp of many languages - and his fondness for Tunnocks caramel biscuits.

Chris Wright, Sunvil managing director, said: "John will be much missed by staff, both past and present, and by all those with whom he came into contact."

Josephides added: "I’ve lost not only a friend of 50 years’ standing, but also a long-term business partner, a much-respected influencer and an important sounding board as we developed the business together through good times and bad, including the invasion of Cyprus in 1974."

John is survived by his wife, Gwynneth, his two children, Dudley and Judith, and his recently-married granddaughter, Suzanne.