In memoriam: Linda Hopkins

John Rimmer

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The well liked and widely respected conference and research director for Tax Free World Association died on December 31 after a brief illness

The trade has reacted with shock to Linda's sudden death at the age of 41. TFWA president Erik Juul-Mortensen said: "All of us at TFWA are shocked and deeply saddened by Linda's death and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family. The industry has lost an extremely dedicated, hard-working and much-liked professional and we will all miss her terribly."

TFWA CEO Andrew Ford added: "I have known Linda for many years and during that time she had become a close friend as well as a much respected colleague.  She was warm, kind, had a wonderful spirit and sense of humour, and I and the team will miss her greatly. May she rest in peace."

Before joining TFWA in 1999, Linda enjoyed a successful career as a trade journalist, helping set up travel-retail publications in the Americas, Middle East and Asia/Pacific. During that time she made many friends across the duty-free regions, notably in Latin America where she was instrumental in developing the ASUTIL annual conference, organising the 1998 and 1999 editions.

ASUTIL secretary general Jose Luis Donagaray paid tribute to Linda, saying: "The members of the board of ASUTIL send to friends, industry colleagues and Linda's family our most sincere condolences upon her death. Linda collaborated closely at the beginning of the ASUTIL conferences and will always enjoy the special recognition of all the board. May she rest in peace."

Linda was responsible for the launch of the Travel Markets Insider newsletter, now edited by her close friend Lois Pasternak and Lois' husband Paul. She also collaborated with Raven Fox on the launch of the Eastern Merchant magazine, covering the Middle Eastern travel-retail market that she knew so well.

Everyone at Raven Fox is deeply saddened by Linda's death, and we send our sincere condolences to her family, to her friends and to her colleagues at TFWA. She was an extremely professional—and likeable—member of the industry, and will be sorely missed.

A full tribute to Linda will appear in the next issue of DFNI, out on January 15.