New Year Honours for Abta destinations chief and responsible tourism pioneer

Abta’s head of destinations Angie Hills has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her services to improving health, safety and security standards for Britons travelling overseas.

Meanwhile, Justin Francis, founder of self-styled activist operator Responsible Travel, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to nature and the environment, as has Wild Frontiers chair John Brown for services to charity.

Hills joined Abta in 2008 following its merger with the Federation of Tour Operators, where she had been working since 1998. She heads up Abta’s destinations team, leading on matters of health, safety and security in travel, as well as operations and crisis response.

She oversaw development, production and launch of Abta’s health and safety technical guide, which is now in its fifth edition and used by accommodation providers, hotel associations, destination authorities and other stakeholders in more than 100 countries.

Hills also chairs both Abta’s health and safety and operational committees, bringing together members to collaborate on key topics to address any issues.

’Welcome recognition’

"Angie has developed close working relationships with representatives at the UK Foreign Office, the Joint Overseas Protect and Prepare team at the Home Office, UKHSA (the UK’s Health Security Agency) and NaTHNaC (National Travel and Health Network and Centre), as well as destination governments across the globe," said Abta.

"Using diplomacy and influencing skills, she is known for proposing practical solutions, for the benefit not only of travellers, but of staff working overseas, local workers and residents in the destinations."

Abta added Hills’ most recent focus had been to strengthen Abta’s response to the climate crisis, leading on development of a new training course for Abta members on natural disasters.

"Angie has worked tirelessly with our members and their customers to encourage improvements in health and security, and keep people safe," said Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer. "We are all excited at Abta to hear this news, which is very welcome recognition for Angie’s many years of commitment and expertise."