For four years, Patricia Zoya was the familiar face of Dundee Tourism – the calm voice behind the desk, the person visitors could rely on and, for many in the community, much more than an administrative officer.

Her tragic passing last week has left three children without their mother and Dundee without a woman whose warmth, compassion and quiet determination touched countless lives.

A welcoming face for Dundee

Patricia joined Dundee Tourism in 2022, when the local tourism and hospitality industry was still recovering from the devastating impact of Covid-19.

Calm, caring and fluent in three languages, she had a natural ability to make people feel welcome. She quietly kept the Dundee Tourism office running while balancing work and family life, always with a smile and without complaint.

And then there was her humour.

Patricia’s infectious giggle could brighten a room and became one of the things colleagues and visitors remembered most about her.

Paying tribute, former Tourism Dundee chairman Naresh Gopie described Patricia as a dedicated tourism officer whose warmth and infectious personality left a lasting mark on the Dundee community.

“It was a great privilege to have worked alongside her. Her infectious smile, vibrant character and unwavering dedication will always remain with me and continue to inspire all who knew her.

“My deepest condolences go to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

She never stopped helping others

After leaving Dundee Tourism earlier this year to begin a new career at Orange Grove Dairy, Patricia remained someone people turned to.

Her social work instincts – shaped by her background with the CMR before it closed in Dundee – never left her, and families in crisis would still call on her for help.

Patricia understood that tourism was about more than promoting a destination. She believed it connected people, cultures and businesses, and could contribute to Dundee’s economic future.

Her advice to women facing uncertain career paths was simple: be resilient, adapt and never underestimate the power of community involvement.

Those words describe Patricia herself.

She adapted when Covid-19 changed her career, embraced tourism and later a new career, while remaining devoted to her family and community.

A legacy of kindness

Her loss will be deeply felt by her children, family, friends, former colleagues and the countless people she helped, often quietly and without expecting anything in return.

For four years, Patricia was a welcoming face of Dundee Tourism. But her legacy extends far beyond tourism – into the lives of the people she encouraged, supported and simply made feel welcome.

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