We are delighted to announce that our very own founder, Fiona Jeffery, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in Queen Elizabeth’s II New Year’s Honours list. The award reflects her services to the travel and tourism industry – which spans 26 years at the World Travel Market – as well as her championing of responsible travel, the launch of World Responsible Tourism Day, and of course, establishing Just a Drop in 1998.

Fiona said, “I was genuinely stunned but it’s a great honour. The best thing is being able to share it with so many colleagues both at Reed Exhibitions and within the travel Industry who have all played their part over the last 26 years in making World Travel Market what it is today and also the many people who have also helped support and grow Just a Drop.”

The 2011 New Year’s Honours list was chosen based on David Cameron’s Big Society initiative, which focuses on people who are making a real difference to communities through volunteering, fundraising, social action and philanthropy.

Many congratulations Fiona!