Dawson, who has spent 13 years in the role during a near-50-year travel career, will stand down from the ITAA at the end of April.
Having started his career with Joe Walsh Tours in the early 1970s, Dawson moved to Aer Lingus Holidays before opening his own travel agency, Dawson Travel, in Cork which is operated today by his son Paul.
He was formerly president of the ITAA and became chief executive in 2010.
“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,” Dawson said.
