Visit USA Association chief operating officer Alan Waddell has died of double pneumonia.
A well known figure in the travel industry, he led the Visit USA secretariat for a decade. He had been unwell for three weeks.
Visit USA chairman Kate Burgess-Craddy said: “He loved his role in developing opportunities for increasing British travel to the USA. His friendships throughout the industry were precious to him.
“Alan had a long and happy career in the travel industry, and for the last 10 years he has headed up the Visit USA Association secretariat, bringing a new dynamism and credibility to our organisation. He will be sorely missed by us all.”
Waddell was involved in many fund raising activities including more than £6,000 for the Just a Drop charity from an Independence Day ball in July.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed.