Agent Bruce Lyons, who continues to book holidays at the age of 90, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Travel Network Group.
Bruce, who was born in London’s Primrose Hill in 1934, launched his first travel agency at the age of 22, a year after meeting the love of his life, Hedda in 1965.
He had previously studied agriculture and worked briefly as a theatrical agent, but he said his true passion was always travel.
After opening his first shop in Church Street in Twickenham, Bruce became one of the first pioneers of charter flights to Sharm El Sheikh, Eilat and Hurghada.
Pillars of their local community, Bruce and Hedda also launched the Twickenham Festival in 1995, which they ran until 2019.
Hedda passed away in 2023, yet Bruce continues to work six days a week in his agency, Crusader Travel, alongside his daughter Shona.
Presenting Bruce with the Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala dinner in Bucharest’s Palace of Parliament on the last night of the TTNG conference in Romania, CEO Gary Lewis said: “Bruce is the very definition of inspiring.
“His lifelong dedication to travel, his pioneering spirit, and his deep connection to the community are extraordinary.
“At almost 91 years old, and after an incredible seven decades in the travel industry, Bruce continues to lead with passion, humility, and heart – a true role model for all of us in the industry. It’s our absolute honour to celebrate his incredible legacy with this Lifetime Achievement Award.”
See photos of other TTNG Award winners in the Travel Gossip Gallery
