For more than 30 years, Tilling worked in various travel roles, including a more than 10-year spell at Funway Holidays, where she became managing director.

After standing down from that role in August 2019, Tilling launched social enterprise Charitable Travel in spring the following year.

A donation worth 5% of every Charitable Travel booking is invested into the customer’s charity of choice. At the time, Tilling said it was her passionate belief travel should raise money for charity.

Luxury travel expert Lizzi Trimble, who worked with Tilling after she launched Charitable Travel, said: “I was so intrigued [in Charitable Travel] that I emailed Melissa and said I’d like to know more.

"She immediately rang me back and we discussed her wonderful vision. She then asked me if I’d like to get involved with Charitable Travel and before the end of the conversation, I’d agreed to handle the luxury bookings for Charitable Travel.

"That was Mel. Full of brilliant ideas and she didn’t waste a moment. Over the past four years, I’ve learned so much from Mel about charities, social enterprises and sustainable travel. She was a visionary with a big heart who dedicated herself to doing good.” 

Travel Counsellor Ali Nicholls, who first met Tilling in 2002, called her “a trusted friend” and “a mentor”. “Her wit and humour got us through some tough times during the pandemic, while trying to grow Charitable Travel,” Nicholls said. 

“Her drive to do good in the world was truly to be admired, and I learned so much from her about the world of social enterprise and the charity sector. We have lost a one in a million – a truly unique soul.” 

Earlier this year, Tilling followed up the launch of Charitable Travel with direct-sell operator Sustainable Journeys, which aimed to make environmentally and ethically responsible travel more accessible. 

Nicholls added: “She was a visionary and a workaholic and known to so many around the world. Once met, never forgotten.”

Tilling was a member of the TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassadors class of 2023, and several of her fellow alumni were quick to pay their respects and share their members.

These included TravelTime World director Ashley Quint, who said: “I had such a great time last year on a panel with Mel at Abta’s Carbon Literacy Day – I called her the ‘doyenne of sustainability’. So sad to lose a fellow ambassador for change."

Another, Travel Counsellor Marie Rowe, added: "This really is the saddest news. Melissa did so much to inspire us and the travel industry, I can’t believe it. She was the kindest person who did so much."

Former TTG features editor Debbie Ward hailed Tilling as one of her favourite people in travel. 

“I interviewed her many times, especially seeking her good advice as an Asia expert, and travelled with her on a trade visit to Thailand where she came out to our group about her then upcoming transition,” she recalled.

“I always enjoyed her humour and admired her pioneering spirit. The last time we spoke we were laughing about her cats (who always manage to look like feline Kray twins in photos) and chatting about her plans for Sustainable Journeys.” 

She added: “I will remember her with much fondness and hope her passion for travel as a force for good continues in her name.”

Alison Cryer, managing director of Representation Plus, said Tilling would “not be forgotten”. “We will all strive to follow her example,” she said. 

Lotus managing director Kate McWilliams called Tilling “an industry legend”, adding: “She will be missed.” 

Michelle Roberts, Israel Government Tourist Office business development manager, said: “I had the pleasure of meeting with her many times over the years, and she was always such a joy to be around. 

“Charitable Travel is such an amazing company. What a legacy she is leaving behind. My heart goes out to her friends, family and colleagues.”

A-Rosa River Cruises managing director Lucia Rowe said she was “totally shocked” when she learned of Tilling’s passing. “Such a kind soul and a brilliant person – I cannot believe it,” she said.  

Lindsay Garvey-Jones, national retail manager at Holiday Extras, said: “This is utterly heartbreaking.”

Audrey Brooks Wiggins, director of business development and strategic partnerships at Zinantis, said: "Mel touched all of our lives and will be sadly missed.”

Not In The Guidebooks marketing manager Jamie-Lee Abtar added: “Such sad news, [I’m] lost for words.”

Anyone wishing to share their memories of Melissa Tilling can do so in the comments section below, or by emailing feedback@ttgmedia.com.