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Carnival President Duffy adds role as US Travel Association national chair

The US Travel Association elected Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, as its new national chair.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

February 20, 2021

2 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

Duffy, who most recently served on the board as first vice chair, will lead an executive committee and board representing a diverse cross-section of travel business sectors.

'We’re very pleased to welcome Christine as national chair of US Travel, not only for her deep experience operating successful travel businesses, but also for the talent and savvy she will bring to helping restore one of America’s largest industry sectors following steep losses associated with the global pandemic,' US Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said.

He added: 'The board appreciates Christine’s guidance at this crucial time as we advance policies and programs to revive travel to and within the US.'

Goals and duties

Duffy will guide the board and association’s efforts to expand engagement with businesses and organizations to drive advocacy initiatives and shape the future of travel. She'll also work to unite the industry under one voice to inform the opinions and actions of elected leaders.

Further duties include advancing priorities focused on recovery and rebuilding of the US travel industry and educating and informing travel stakeholders.

'There has never been a more critical time for the travel industry to come together to effect change and drive a financial recovery,' Duffy said. 'If nothing else, the past year has demonstrated the economic power of the travel sector, as well as the affinity Americans have for the social, intellectual, relaxation and joyful benefits of travel. I look forward to working with the great leaders of the travel and tourism industry to chart a path to a new level of success.'

Duffy also serves as a director for Aimbridge Hospitality, a hotel management services company, and Herschend Family Entertainment, the US's largest family-owned operator of themed attractions, including Dollywood and Branson’s Silver Dollar City. She sits on the professional advisory board of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, for which Carnival is the official celebration partner. And she's a member of The Committee of 200, an organization of women business leaders that supports, celebrates and advances women’s leadership.

Further officers

US Travel also installed as vice chairs Julie Coker, president & CEO, San Diego Tourism Authority; Fred Dixon, president & CEO, NYC & Co.; Sharon Siskie, SVP commercial strategy, Disney Signature Experiences (which includes Disney Cruise Line). Appointed treasurer is Stephen Revetria, president, Giants Enterprises, San Francisco Giants, and secretary is Michael Dominguez, president & CEO, Associated Luxury Hotels International.

Duffy succeeds Destination DC President and CEO Elliott L. Ferguson II, whose term as chair has concluded.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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