Carraro was variously described to TTG this week by friends, colleagues and associates as "a true gentleman", and one of travel’s "most colourful" advocates. He was 76.

During his more than 50-year career in travel, Carraro built up Italy specialist Carefree Travel with business partner David Davies before the company was eventually sold in 2007.

He also dedicated his energies to Abta and its efforts to preserve the strength of the sector, serving on the association’s tour operator council and its regional councils, as well as its membership committee.

Noel Josephides, chair of Abta’s membership committee, said: "Angelo was a true travel industry character – there are few such personalities left. He was always there to cheer us up. Our thoughts are with his family."

John de Vial, Abta’s director of financial protection and financial services, added: "Angelo was a good friend and supporter of Abta, the team, and the work of the membership committee.

"[He was] a kind man who always had time for everyone. He was thoughtful and supportive of members, but also a good judge of when someone was trying it on. A gentleman and a character who will be missed very much."

Nigel Lingard, vice-chair of Abta’s membership committee, told TTG Carraro was a "long-standing Abta stalwart" who brought "invaluable" knowledge of tour operating and past precedents to his work on the committee.

Sue Edwards, who worked with Carraro in the 1970s and was for many years his personal assistant, described him as "one of the travel industry’s most colourful characters".

Carraro is survived by his wife Marian, and sons Alex and Daniel.