Travelbiz E-Zine
19
May
2023

Congratulations Clare Dunne – New CEO of the ITAA

#Traveltradetogether

The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) announced that it has appointed former ITAA President Clare Dunne as its new CEO. Dunne’s appointment follows the retirement of Pat Dawson. She will assume the role at the start of July.

Paul Hackett (President ITAA) said, “A leader in the Irish travel industry with over 40 years’ experience building a successful business, long lasting professional relationships and personal networks, Clare Dunne is a passionate advocate of excellent service, lifelong learning and leadership“.

“I know all of us at the ITAA are delighted to have Clare at the forefront of all matters pertaining to the Irish travel industry, representing travel agents and associates with her decades of experience and dedication to quality in all matters”.

He continued, “Clare was an essential member of the ITAA Public Affairs committee who linked in with the Department of Transport and CAR to secure business supports for the travel trade throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting in the leading of the industry at a critical juncture. The ITAA could not be in more capable hands”.

Dunne is a seasoned travel professional who has a passion for travel. Having begun her career as a Reservations Agent with Aer Lingus, she commenced her agency experience with International Travel Bureau, proceeded to managing Griffin Travel in Dublin’s Dawson Street and then opened her own travel agency, The Travel Broker, in 1994.

Over the years Dunne responded to market conditions and pivoted her business to survive the many challenges which have affected the travel industry. She has developed The Travel Broker into a widely respected, award-winning company with a diverse portfolio of loyal leisure and business clients. She acted as the ITAA’s first female president from 2012 to 2014.

Speaking of her appointment to the role, Dunne said “I could not be more thrilled and honoured to accept this appointment from the Board of the ITAA. Serving this industry and giving it my all is in my DNA. The significance of being named the organisation’s first female CEO is not lost on me; I look forward to building on the great work of my colleagues to grow our industry at home and abroad”.

She concluded, “As The Travel Broker moves on to a new chapter I will look back on my many years there very fondly and I look forward to the exciting challenges and opportunities afforded to me in this new position”.

Dunne is passionate about education, leadership and empowerment. She takes a keen interest in assisting others to develop both their personal and business potential. She co-founded the Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE) in 2017 and served as Chair from then until she handed over to a new committee in March 2023. Previously she served as National President of Network, Organisation for Women in Business, the Professions & the Arts having also spent a year as President of their Dublin branch. She is a member of the North Dublin Business Network and recently concluded her term as chair of Clontarf Business Association.

Subscribe to our E-Zine

    More

    from latest edition

    Up to 25% Off plus Complimentary Amenity of Your Choice with Oceania Cruises
    14th February 2025

    Up to 25% Off plus Complimentary Amenity of Your Choice with Oceania Cruises

    Up to 25% Off plus Complimentary Amenity of Your Choice with Oceania Cruises

    Read more
    YOLO, Fly SOLO: United Airlines Shares How Travelers Can Treat Themselves Ahead of National Plan a Solo Vacation Day
    13th February 2025

    YOLO, Fly SOLO: United Airlines Shares How Travelers Can Treat Themselves Ahead of National Plan a Solo Vacation Day

    This love-filled February, solo travel is on the rise and United is sharing travel hacks, popular destinations and app features to empower adventurers to get ready for National Plan a Solo Vacat...

    Read more
    IAG Hires Heiko Heidusch as Senior Vice President of Strategic Airline Partnerships
    13th February 2025

    IAG Hires Heiko Heidusch as Senior Vice President of Strategic Airline Partnerships

    Heidusch joins IAG from Lufthansa Group and will lead IAG’s strategic partnerships team, reporting into Chief Commercial Strategy Officer, Julio Rodriguez. International Airlines Group (IAG) has...

    Read more
    Dubai Sees 14% Surge in UK Visitors, Welcoming 1.33 Million in 2024
    13th February 2025

    Dubai Sees 14% Surge in UK Visitors, Welcoming 1.33 Million in 2024

    In yet another remarkable annual performance, Dubai welcomed 1,327,000 UK visitors from January to December 2024, a 14% year-over-year increase that surpasses the previous year of 1,169,000 in 2...

    Read more
    Windstar Cruises’ Flagship Sailing Yacht Wind Surf Unveils Redesigned Public Spaces & New Suites
    13th February 2025

    Windstar Cruises’ Flagship Sailing Yacht Wind Surf Unveils Redesigned Public Spaces & New Suites

    Windstar’s flagship sailing yacht reveals the first stage of its refurbishment with refreshed public spaces, dining venues, and suites. Windstar Cruises’ flagship vessel, Wind Surf, has unveiled...

    Read more
    Crystal Sets New Standard: Faster Commission Payments for Travel Advisors
    13th February 2025

    Crystal Sets New Standard: Faster Commission Payments for Travel Advisors

    Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, has announced that it is redefining the way the brand supports its valued travel advisors with an unprecedented approach to commission paym...

    Read more