David, who began his career in travel aged 17 with Lunn Poly, worked at companies including Swan Tours, P&O and Tui.

In late 1978 he opened agency Parkhurst Travel with his wife, Gaynor, which over about 10 years grew to comprise seven stores in Wales, eventually selling it to Hogg Robinson.

David subsequently set up and ran another company for 20 years – Air Ticket Centres and Air Travel Centres – specialising in air travel and long-haul holidays.

He sold this to Travel House / Tui in 1999, where he stayed on and set up THG Holidays, specialising in the Far East. His son, Gavin, still works in the business.

Most recently David, who is also survived by another son, Stephen, worked at tour operator inspiresport, “looking after sports groups when travelling abroad and incoming”.

Sue Cobley, director at Swansea-based Sketty Travel, described David as “a great character” and “a pioneer”, while Miles Morgan, owner of Miles Morgan Travel, said “you would never meet a nicer man”.

Cobley worked with David at Parkhurst Travel. She said: “Parkhurst Travel was innovative at the time – there were Chesterfield suites for customers to sit in and browse after helping themselves to a coffee from our drinks machine. We were also one of the first agencies with a blackboard outside advertising deals of the day.

“David was also one of the first in Wales to tap into the reduced flight-only market.

“He will be greatly missed by all his travel associates and friends.”

Gaynor, who met David while working as a typist at the same company, aged 17, told TTG she wanted to thank the industry for their messages of support since David’s death. Although he had been treated for blood cancer in the past, his cause of death remains unclear.

“David was fit and healthy (he was a keen runner), and we actually had a trips to Thailand and China booked," she said. "As well as being entrepreneurial, he travelled everywhere.”

David’s funeral will take place at Margam Crematorium in Port Talbot on Friday July 28, at 2.30pm, followed by a wake at the Twelve Knights pub. All are welcome.