The U.S. Travel Association on Monday announced Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotel Group, as its new national chair. He was elected in a member-wide vote. Last week, Ballotti presided over his first Board of Directors meeting as national chair.
Ballotti succeeds Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson.
“We are thrilled to welcome Geoff as our new chair," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. "Who better to help us emphasize the tremendous power of travel in our lives and the U.S. economy than someone whose professional life is all about hospitality? Geoff's experience and expertise will help us continue to elevate our message to the highest levels of government leadership, and advocate for policies that keep America an attractive, welcoming destination for travelers around the world."
As national chair of U.S. Travel, Ballotti will guide the board and association's efforts to:
- Increase travel to and within the United States;
- Aggressively highlight the role of the U.S. travel industry in driving increased economic growth and opportunity; and
- Advocate for policies that secure and facilitate travel, keeping the U.S. "open for business."
Travel makes us culturally richer, while simultaneously fueling both the U.S. economy and economies around the world," Ballotti said. "Together we'll continue to drive an agenda that supports connectivity—not isolationism—and encourages safe and secure travel to and throughout the United States."
As president and chief executive officer of the Wyndham Hotel Group, Ballotti leads a team laser-focused on transforming the company's quality, technology, sales, marketing and loyalty programs. He stewards its operation and growth, including the 2015 acquisition of Dolce Hotels & Resorts and 2016 acquisition of FEN Hotels in Latin America.
