Pat Dawson to retire as CEO of ITAA

The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) is to begin the search for a new CEO. After 13 years in the role, Cork businessman Pat Dawson recently informed the board of his intention to retire at the end of April 2023.

President of the ITAA Paul Hackett said: “Pat’s retirement will mark the end of a remarkable career within the travel industry. As CEO of the ITAA, he understood the industry so well.”

Mr Dawson started his career with Joe Walsh Tours in the early 1970s before moving to Aer Lingus Holidays. In 1991, he opened his own travel agency, Dawson Travel, in Cork which is operated today by his son Paul.

First he became president of the ITAA before being named CEO in 2010.

Mr Hackett added: “During Pat's tenure, he guided the association through somewhat turbulent times from ash clouds to the Covid pandemic, through the intricacies of the Package Travel Directive and the issues of licensing and bonding for travel agents. At all times he brought his experience and knowledge of the travel industry to bear, forging relationships for the benefit of the ITAA.”

“Pat’s legacy to the ITAA is leaving a strong organisation with increased membership. His tenacity in protecting the travel industry during the recent global pandemic ensured many businesses remained intact, receiving much appreciated government support. His work in this area united our industry, bringing other independent trade bodies together.”

Pat Dawson, CEO of the ITAA said: “As I approach my thirteenth year as CEO of the Irish Travel Agents Association, and after almost 50 years in the travel industry, I believe now is the right time for me to step down. I look forward to my retirement, devoting more time to my family, looking forward to pursuing my many sporting interests and, of course, spending more time travelling for pleasure.”

In 2015, Pat Dawson was awarded the Medal of the Order of Civil Merit at the behest of His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain, in recognition of his valuable work towards strengthening relations between Ireland and Spain, particularly in the area of tourism.

The board of the ITAA will now begin the process of recruiting a new CEO.