Exeter College alumnus recognised in 2026 King’s Birthday Honours

Exeter College alumnus Mark King (1974, Modern History and Modern Languages) has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours for services to Tourism. 

A London region Blue Badge Tourist Guide qualified in 2010, Mark has been recognised for his longstanding contribution to the UK’s visitor economy and to the professional tourist guiding sector. A Fellow of the Institute of Tourist Guiding (‘the Institute’), Life Fellow and former Chair of the British Guild of Tourist Guides (‘the Guild’), he has devoted many years to promoting high standards of guiding across the country, supporting fellow professionals, and helping visitors engage with Britain’s history and heritage. 

As a proud Exonian, Mark created and chaired three highly successful residential conferences for tourist guides from across the nations and regions of the UK that were held in Exeter’s Cohen Quad. The ‘Guided to Growth’ conferences focused on enhancing business development and commercial management skills for professionally qualified tourist guides, while providing valuable networking and social opportunities. 

Responding to the honour, Mark said: “I am proud beyond words to be honoured with this award of an MBE. 

“I am passionate about what I choose to do with my time, ideas and expertise. It is hugely rewarding for me to help strengthen the market profile and resilience of the country’s tourist guides holding professional qualifications from the Institute of Tourist Guiding, to welcome visitors on tours in London, and to work with organisations dedicated to preserving and celebrating our heritage, such as the Friends of Kenwood in close collaboration with English Heritage.” 

He added that he was grateful for being nominated by the Institute of Tourist Guiding, with support from the British Guild of Tourist Guides and the Friends of Kenwood, for whom Mark serves as a Trustee. He paid tribute to the tutors who prepared him for his London Blue Badge and City of London Green Badge qualifications. 

Jackie Clare, President of the Institute of Tourist Guiding, described the award as recognition of Mark’s exceptional commitment to the profession, saying that his leadership, expertise and service had benefited colleagues, visitors, and the wider tourism sector for many years. 

Tourism is worth £147 billion annually to the UK, about 5 percent of the national economy, when including both direct and supply chain impacts. Tourism is larger than the insurance and pensions sectors put together and employs more people than those and financial services combined. 

Exeter College warmly congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition.