Widdowson, who was 59, is understood to have been a passenger in a car, which collided with another near Kinloss in the north of Scotland, local news site The Press and Journal reported.

The driver of the other vehicle died at the scene. Widdowson escaped and was taken to hospital, but later died from his injuries.

A police spokesperson said: “Further to the fatal collision on the B9089 Roseisle to Kinloss road on new year’s day, we can confirm that 59-year-old John Ian Widdowson has sadly died.

Beaver Travel, which has two branches, in Forres and Elgin, Moray and  was founded in 1973, and had been owned and managed by Widdowson and his wife since 1999, specialising in both leisure and corporate travel.

Local MSP Richard Lochhead described Widdowson as a “thoroughly decent man”.

Manager Jacqui Peat issued a statement to TTG on behalf of staff at the agency and Widdowson’s son Edward. “All the family, friends and colleagues of Ian Widdowson are incredibly sad with the news of his recent death,” it said.

“Ian joined the travel industry 15 years ago with Beaver Travel and has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of Beaver Travel, while working with various industry bodies to ensure the continued health of the travel industry.

“At this very sad time, the support and messages from all areas of the travel industry is very touching and the family and Beavers [staff] are hugely grateful. We would like to thank all those who have known, worked with or supported Ian over the years.”