Travel remembers Queen's ‘strength of spirit and sense of duty’

The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and reigned for 70 years, becoming – in 2015 – the UK’s longest-serving monarch; her son, King Charles III, said her loss would be "deeply felt" around the world.

Tributes, fond memories and warm recollections have poured in from leaders, companies and organisations across the travel industry.

Carnival Corporation brand Cunard said it would be "forever grateful" for its more than 70-year association with the monarch, while P&O Cruises thanked Her Majesty for naming two of its ships – Oriana and Britannia.

Heathrow, meanwhile, reflected on welcoming Elizabeth back to the UK in 1952 as Queen following the death of her father while she was in Kenya, while British Airways hailed her "immense resilience".

In a message to Tui Group employees, the company’s outgoing chief executive Fritz Joussen described Queen Elizabeth as “an outstanding person, the likes of which will not be seen again in our lifetime”.

"In her reign she was able to gain a very unique perspective on the political and social changes of the past seven decades. The world will miss this wealth of experience. What will remain is the admiration for an extraordinary life,” he said. "For her discipline, her reliability and her dedication, she will continue to be a role model for people all over the world.”

Reflecting on his meetings with the Queen, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson paid tribute to her “strength of spirit and sense of duty”.

“From attending royal gatherings to events celebrating entrepreneurship – the Queen always had such a dignified, stoic presence," Branson recalled. "She was extremely calm, very astute and a great listener – all excellent qualities in a leader. She also had a wonderful sense of humour and took a great interest in the people she met wherever she went."

He added the Queen “redefined what it means to be a leader”.