Legacy includes growth in conventions, sports, film and music
Fort Worth, TEXAS (January 20, 2026) - After 13 years leading Visit Fort Worth, President & CEO Bob Jameson has announced his retirement effective April 30, 2026.
During Jameson's tenure, the city’s visitor economy doubled and Fort Worth became one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the country. His most enduring contribution has been elevating tourism to a driving force in the city’s economic development strategy not only for hotels but also for small businesses and creatives across the community.
After leading Marriott’s Worthington Renaissance hotel for nearly three decades, Jameson helped transform the convention and visitors bureau into a dynamic tourism marketing organization. Under his leadership, the organization developed the Fort Worth Sports Commission, Hear Fort Worth music office, the Fort Worth Film Commission and the Fort Worth Tourism Public Improvement District (PID) to attract and support long-term growth of key industries throughout the city. He expanded support for convention sales and services and the Fort Worth Herd.
With a spotlight on Fort Worth, the nation’s 11th largest city, Jameson’s achievements have set an example for tourism leadership. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker has praised his leadership and the organization, saying, “Bob Jameson has had 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, Visit Fort Worth Board chairperson. “His wisdom, vision and philosophies will continue to inspire countless numbers of colleagues in the travel and tourism industry and Fort Worth.”
Adhering to his leadership mantra of “it’s not about us,” Visit Fort Worth has focused on spotlighting 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 generated
In the past decade, the organization has received national recognition for its innovative, research-driven marketing strategies that shed light on the people who are the fabric of our community:
- No. 1 convention city by Conference Direct
- No. 1 city for sports without a power 5 team by Sports ETA
- Top 20 city for filmmakers by MovieMaker Magazine
- First music-friendly city certified city by Texas Music Office
- Top 10 favorite activation at SXSW
- Best of lists with Travel + Leisure, Good Housekeeping, Afar and more
Jameson has also advocated for broader community inclusion in tourism, supporting Hispanic Heritage Month and Juneteenth to new music festivals and cowboy gatherings. Visit Fort Worth and the Tourism PID contribute more than $1 million annually to local arts and cultural festivals and events.
Locally, he is one of the most sought-out volunteer leaders, currently serving on the boards of Arts Fort Worth, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Black Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Near Southside, Fort Worth Opera, The Cliburn, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Fort Worth Sister Cities International, and Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. He also serves on the boards of the Texas Travel Alliance and the U.S. Travel Association.
“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."
Jameson’s career in hospitality began with Marriott International in California in 1977 and continued with 28 years in leadership at Fort Worth’s Worthington Renaissance Hotel, for many years the city’s leading hotel for visitors and local events.
Jameson was born in Long Beach, California, and raised in Garden Grove, California. He graduated from the University of San Francisco in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Jameson and his wife, Anne Milder Jameson, are the parents of four children: Bradley, Simone, Mack and Andi.
The team at Visit Fort Worth will miss Jameson tremendously but are extremely happy for him to be able to spend quality time with his family.
A national search will be conducted to identify Visit Fort Worth’s next President & CEO.
ABOUT VISIT FORT WORTH
Visit Fort Worth is the official destination marketing organization of the 11th-largest city in the United States, dedicated to promoting Fort Worth as a premier business and leisure destination with thriving centers of creativity, culture and commerce. Visit Fort Worth is the parent organization of The Fort Worth Herd, the Fort Worth Film Commission, Fort Worth Sports Commission and music initiative Hear Fort Worth.