The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) recently welcomed Ambassador Nick Adams, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Tourism, for his first major international public address since assuming the role, marking a significant moment for both the United States and the global Travel & Tourism sector.
Adams was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism on March 17, 2026.
As the first Special Presidential Envoy for Tourism, Adams’ participation reflected a new era of stronger public-private collaboration and renewed leadership at a pivotal time for global Travel & Tourism.
With the United States hosting the G20 and leading the world’s largest Travel & Tourism market, representing $2.63 trillion of Travel & Tourism GDP, the Trump government recognizes the international significance of the sector as governments and industry work together to unlock investment, remove barriers to growth, and strengthen long-term resilience.
Nick Adams delivered the opening Leadership Keynote: Shaping the Next Phase of Travel, where he outlined the priorities shaping America’s leadership in global Travel & Tourism. He also talked about the future of US tourism.
“I’m pleased to see a new relationship develop between the United States and the World Travel & Tourism Council. America is the number one tourism market in the world, and my aim is to drive more growth, jobs and national pride across the sector. Personally, I think that by working together, public and private sector focused on the same aims, we can reach 100 million visitors to America per year by 2030, starting with welcoming millions of people to the FIFA World Cup and America 250 celebrations this summer.
With the United States also hosting the G20 this year, we have every opportunity to create more investment and hundreds of thousands of new jobs, as well as build an even stronger reputation for warmly welcoming visitors to our great country.”
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: “We were delighted to welcome His Excellency Nick Adams for his first major international address in his new role. The United States’ creation of this position sends a powerful message: Travel & Tourism matters.”
“As a sector contributing $11.6 trillion to global GDP, supporting 366 million jobs, and accounting for nearly one in ten dollars worldwide, its importance has never been clearer. This bold step by the U.S. demonstrates real leadership – elevating Travel & Tourism as a strategic priority for growth, investment, and international cooperation.”
