Protravel International’s Miriam Rand has passed away, having just celebrated her 100th birthday last year.
A travel industry veteran for close to 70 years, Rand was the owner of Rand Fields Travel Agency in Beverly Hills and later a member of Protravel. Known as the “First Lady of Luxury Travel,” Miriam Rand was the cover profile in the May 2006 issue of our sibling publication, Luxury Travel Advisor.
“An industry veteran for close to a breathtaking 70 years, Miriam was an institution in her own right,” said Protravel International President Gail Grimmett in a statement provided to Travel Agent. “Serving some of the most celebrated names ever in entertainment – first as the owner of Rand Fields Travel Agency in Beverly Hills and later as a valued member of our Protravel team – Miriam and her expert counsel and care were beyond legendary. It is no wonder she was known as ‘The First Lady of Luxury.’”
On Rand’s 90th birthday in 2006, Protravel created the Miriam Rand Travel Fund to further the interests of students at her alma mater, Hunter College High School, helping them participate in educational trips to other countries. Miriam was donating to this fund up until the past few years, Grimmett said.
Those who would like to celebrate Rand’s legacy can contribute to Hunter College and earmark their donation for the Miriam Rand Travel Fund. Donations can be sent to the following address:
Attention of: Francesca Bacon
Hunter College of the City University of New York
695 Park Avenue
Suite 313 East
Checks should be made out to The Hunter College Foundation.
“I know I speak for everyone in noting just how much Miriam and her enormous contributions to our industry and her friendship to so many will be missed,” said Grimmett.