Chris Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Worldwide, has been elected as the national chair of the U.S. Travel Association (USTA), announced the Washington, D.C.-based association. He may serve up to two consecutive one-year terms in the role.
Nassetta will lead USTA’s executive board and board of delegates, as well as work with USTA President and CEO Geoff Freeman and the executive leadership team, to carry out the organization’s mission of increasing travel to and within the United States and establishing the travel industry as a significant contributor to the country’s economy.
“The U.S. Travel Association has long been an incredible advocate for the travel industry and its significant contributions to our national and global economies,” Nassetta said, adding that he was honored to represent the industry and advance the opportunities to develop secure and seamless end-to-end travel experiences.
Nassetta has been the president and CEO of Hilton since 2007. Before joining Hilton, he was president and CEO of Bethesda, Maryland-based Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a position he held since 2000. He also serves on several boards and was the World Travel & Tourism Council’s immediate past chairman.
He has a degree in finance from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce and presently serves on the McIntire School of Commerce Advisory Board.
Nassetta succeeds the President of Carnival Cruise Line, Christine Duffy.
“Chris leads one of the most respected global hospitality companies with a tremendous presence across the U.S., and we deeply appreciate the perspective he will bring to our collective work on behalf of the travel industry,” said Freeman. “We look forward to working with Chris as our national chair and also extend sincere thanks to our outgoing chair Christine Duffy for her outstanding contributions and leadership.”
USTA represents the interests of more than 1,000 industry organizations, including several travel firms and businesses and destinations in the U.S.