With a distinguished travel industry career spanning a quarter century, two continents and four highly influential leadership roles, Michael Batt, chairman and founder, Travel Leaders Group (www.travelleadersgroup.com) has been inducted into the British Travel Industry Hall of Fame, it was announced today.
A native of the United Kingdom, Batt is one of only four travel industry leaders to receive the 2014 honors. He'll be formally recognized for his achievements at the British trade organization's annual dinner on April 24 at London's Savoy Hotel.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this significant honor from the British Travel Industry Hall of Fame,” Batt noted. “It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 25 years since I first came into the business with British Airways, and my experience since has simply increased the passion and commitment I feel for the entire industry. My early experience in the U.K. helped shape who I am today, and it’s very gratifying to be recognized for my contributions.”
Barry Liben, CEO, Travel Leaders Group, said: “On behalf of everyone from Travel Leaders Group, I am proud to offer our heartfelt congratulations to Mike Batt on this remarkable accomplishment. As a visionary travel industry leader, Mike is a natural, talented leader. Born the son of a Welsh coal miner, Mike is the epitome of ‘pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps’ – our industry is all the better because of his dedication, foresight and resolve. With his major contributions enjoyed industry-wide, we’re proud to have him as our Chairman.”
In addition to Batt, other 2014 inductees include Chris Browne (managing director of Thomson Airways), James Hogan (president and CEO of Etihad Airways) and David Radcliffe (chief executive of HRG).
According to a news release from the British Travel Industry Hall of Fame, the four honorees “have each been responsible for creating major and highly successful leading organizations in our global travel and hospitality industry."
The British Travel Industry Hall of Fame was created in 1995 by Kingley Event Management and honors outstanding achievement in the British travel, tourism and hospitality industries.