Head of Visit Fort Worth to Retire in April

After 13 years leading Visit Fort Worth, president and CEO Bob Jameson will retire effective April 30. A national search will be conducted to identify the convention and visitors bureau's next president and CEO. 

According to the bureau, during Jameson's tenure, the city's visitor economy doubled and Fort Worth became one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the country. Under his leadership, the CVB developed the Fort Worth Sports Commission, Hear Fort Worth music office and the Fort Worth Film Commission. He also helped develop the Fort Worth Tourism Public Improvement District to attract and support the long-term growth of key industries throughout the city.

Praising his leadership and the organization itself, Mayor Mattie Parker said, "Bob Jameson has had an immeasurable impact on Fort Worth's visitor tourism success over the past 13 years. He is truly one of Fort Worth's best ambassadors and I'm thrilled for him in his next chapter of retirement."

"On behalf of the Visit Fort Worth Board of Directors, we are extremely grateful to Bob for the contributions he has made and the legacy he leaves the city," said Susan Alanis, Panther Island program director for the Tarrant Regional Water District, and chair of the Visit Fort Worth board. "His wisdom, vision and philosophies will continue to inspire countless numbers of colleagues in the travel and tourism industry and Fort Worth." 

Working in and supporting the city for the long term

Jameson came to the convention and visitors bureau from Marriott's Worthington Renaissance, where he worked for nearly three decades, most of them as general manager.

Adhering to his leadership mantra of "it's not about us," Visit Fort Worth has put a spotlight on the private sector, entrepreneurs and creatives that have driven growth in the destination. The impact is seen in the trajectory of key indicators over the past decade: 

• Economic impact of the tourism economy has doubled to $3.6 billion
• The number of visitors has doubled to more than 11.7 million 
• Hospitality jobs have doubled to 30,000 
• Direct visitor, spend is at a record $3 billion 
• $287 million state and local taxes have been generated

Jameson has also advocated for broader community inclusion in tourism, supporting Hispanic Heritage Month and Juneteenth, and adding new music festivals and cowboy gatherings. Visit Fort Worth and the TPID contribute more than $1 million annually to local arts and cultural festivals and events.

"This has been the joy of my life," Jameson said. "Tourism is important for our economy and our national visibility, and must be grounded in our community for the benefit of our residents. I am incredibly proud of our Visit Fort Worth team and the many, many local partners who work together to make Fort Worth better through tourism."