Saluting a Travel Legend as a New Chapter Begins

A huge thank you today goes to one of my closest friends and mentors, Roger Dow , who is stepping down as president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Travel Association . For 17 years, Roger has led U.S. Travel with the skill of a seasoned operative, the expertise of a business executive and the appreciative eyes of a curious traveler.

?To say Roger is well loved by the thousands who know him across our industry and call him friend is an understatement. Just try crossing a trade show floor alongside him, where the handshakes, hellos and high-fives seem endless. Since 2005, he has masterfully navigated travel’s challenges—none more so than the effects of the pandemic these past few years—and also forged many initiatives that helped all sectors of the U.S. travel industry grow.

Practically no day passed that Roger didn’t extoll the personal, professional and economic benefits of travel. He drove a new level of appreciation for travel and its workers among policymakers, and was our constant voice at forums, conferences and in the press.

I should also note that I have the pleasure of serving as the association’s current national chair, which has provided an invaluable view of how this organization works to coalesce a far-reaching industry and advance critical priorities in Washington.

I know Roger would say that the brightest days for U.S. Travel are still ahead, but I couldn’t let today pass without recognizing all that he has achieved for this industry, our workers, travel businesses large and small, and people like me, who have benefited from his leadership.

Going forward, we are so pleased to welcome Geoff Freeman to this role at U.S. Travel, who will succeed Roger as the association’s next chief executive.

Congratulations, Roger. And thank you.