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.

In 2015, Dawson was awarded the Order of Civil Merit by King Felipe of Spain, in recognition of his work strengthening tourism relations between the country and Ireland.

ITAA president Paul Hackett said Dawson’s retirement would "mark the end of a remarkable career".

"During Pat’s tenure, he guided the association through somewhat turbulent times from ash clouds to the Covid pandemic, through the intricacies of the Package Travel Directive and the issues of licensing and bonding for travel agents,” he said. “At all times he brought his experience and knowledge of the travel industry to bear, forging relationships for the benefit of the ITAA.

“Pat’s legacy to the Irish Travel Agents Association is leaving a strong organisation with increased membership. His tenacity in protecting the travel industry during the recent global pandemic ensured many businesses remained intact, receiving much appreciated government support. His work in this area united our industry, bringing other independent trade bodies together.”