Roger Dow is to retire as president and chief executive of the US Travel Association next summer.
He is to step down in July 2022 after 17 years of service to the board and the association’s membership.
Dow has guided the US industry through ten consecutive years of expansion from 2009 to 2019.
He also helped the sector navigate challenges, most recently bringing the travel industry together during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dow is credited with leading the legislation that created destination marketing organisation Brand USA.
He also helped develop policies and programmes that enabled domestic and international inbound travel to thrive by ensuring an understanding of travel and tourism as a linchpin of the US economy.
US Travel national chair Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, will name a representative search committee and the US Travel board will begin a process to identify the association’s next leader.
She said: “The board is very grateful to Roger for his steadfast leadership and profound influence on this industry and for strengthening US Travel as a key resource and unifying voice.
“Together with the exceptional team he has assembled, travel is well positioned for growth in the years to come.
“We are especially glad that Roger will remain in this critically important role over the next year as we continue to rebuild and chart the future course of US travel and the industry.”
Dow added: “It’s my aim, every day, to champion the immense benefits of this tremendous industry and all the good travel does for communities and millions of American workers.
“I am deeply committed to working with the board and our talented team to continue leading our recovery and ensure that US Travel is on a firm trajectory for its next CEO.”