Roger Dow to be inducted into the U.S. Travel Association's Hall of Leaders: Travel Weekly

Roger Dow, outgoing president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, will be inducted into U.S. Travel’s Hall of Leaders.

Dow has led U.S. Travel as chief executive for the past 17 years. 

At U.S. Travel, Dow’s legislative victories include the creation, enactment and renewal of Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization. Thirteen nations joined the U.S. Visa Waiver Program during his time at U.S. Travel, which said that inbound travel to the U.S. increased 61% during Dow’s tenure. Dow also expanded U.S. Travel’s IPW trade show.

Dow is credited with significantly building travel’s profile in Washington and has held meetings with sitting U.S. presidents, Cabinet secretaries and members of Congress. He established the Meetings Mean Business coalition, which positions the value and benefits of business meetings, trade shows, conferences and conventions.

During the pandemic, Dow successfully lobbied for federal relief and recovery funding for travel businesses and destination marketing organizations. 

Prior to Dow’s appointment in 2005, he served for 34 years at Marriott International, where he led the company’s global sales and marketing, notably developing the hotel loyalty program. 

• Related: Roger Dow is launching service that connects workers with short-staffed hotels

With Dow’s induction, 104 people have been named to the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders since it was established in 1969 to recognize “sustained, noteworthy contributions that have positively impacted the travel industry.”

In a statement, Carnival Cruise Line president and U.S. Travel’s national chairwoman Christine Duffy said, “It’s difficult to imagine a more effective advocate for travel today than Roger Dow. His selection to our most distinguished body reflects his countless contributions and our industry’s deep respect and gratitude.”

A list of previous Hall of Leaders honorees is available here.

Source: Read Full Article