Sally Davey, CEO of Travalyst, plans to step down from the role in December after five years leading the tourism sustainability not-for-profit.
Under her leadership, the organization has grown, adding partners such as Expedia Group and Amadeus in 2022, Google in 2021 and most recently, Sabre and Mastercard.
Further milestones include the development of the Travel Impact Model with Google, the acquisition of Weeva and the launch of a global certification initiative.
“It has been an incredible honor to work with so many impact-driven leaders, passionate about the change that’s possible and the unique opportunity Travalyst has to shape a more sustainable future for the tourism industry and the planet,” Davey said in a note to her team and partners.
“I haven’t taken this choice lightly; however, it is a positive one and the right one for me and my family at this time. I’m delighted to leave on such a high note, and happy to be with the organization until December. The work continues, and what important work it is. I can’t wait to see what Travalyst does next.”
Subscribe to our newsletter below
In a post on LinkedIn, Davey wrote: “As Travalyst steps into its next chapter, it's humbling to see the size and strength of the ecosystem we've nurtured. And as any good gardener knows, in times of great growth it’s vital to prune and let in new light. Though there's sadness in stepping away, there's far more pride and joy in what we've created together.”
The organization was launched by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in 2019 to “mobilize the travel industry as a catalyst for good, aiming to transform the future of travel for everyone.”
Booking.com, Skyscanner, Ctrip (now Trip.com Group), Tripadvisor and payments giant Visa were its inaugural members.
“I am so grateful to Sally for her commitment and drive over the last five years, which has grown Travalyst‘s impact and sparked real change across the travel industry,” said Prince Harry.
“As this hugely successful chapter closes, we’re excited for the next—welcoming new leadership to accelerate our mission and deepen our impact. Tourism must create more opportunities for the communities it touches, and that work can’t wait. I remain as committed to this cause now as I was when I founded Travalyst six years ago, and I know Sally’s successor will help deliver the systemic change we all need, alongside our board and committed partners.”
Travalyst is conducting an internal and external search for a new CEO.