“I’m Here to Sell America”: U.S. Tourism Envoy Nick Adams on 2026 Travel

Why It Matters

By positioning the 2026 World Cup as a catalyst, Adams aims to unlock significant inbound tourism spend, prompting rapid investment in U.S. travel infrastructure and creating new revenue streams for the hospitality sector.

Key Takeaways

• Envoy Nick Adams brands U.S. as top travel destination for 2026.
• He dismisses safety myths, emphasizing hospitality and seamless visitor experience.
• 2026 World Cup highlighted as catalyst for tourism surge.
• Adams urges airlines and hotels to expand capacity now.
• Investment in U.S. travel infrastructure framed as urgent, high‑return opportunity.

Summary

At the World Travel & Tourism Council summit in Egypt, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Tourism Nick Adams delivered a high‑energy keynote urging the world to “sell America” as the premier destination for 2026.

Adams dismissed safety and hospitality myths, branding the United States as safe, welcoming and the “hottest country on Earth.” He linked the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup to a “golden age of travel,” promising seamless experiences from arrival to checkout.

Memorable lines included, “Your heart will beat faster, your mind will dream bigger,” and a blunt call to industry: “If you are not building capacity… you’ll watch this beautiful parade from the sidewalk.” He echoed President Trump’s invitation to book now.

The envoy’s message translates into a clear business case: airlines, hotels and tour operators should add routes, expand facilities and hire staff immediately to capture the projected tourism surge, which could add billions to U.S. GDP.

Original Description

Recorded at the WTTC Summit in Egypt, Skift Airlines Editor Gordon Smith sits down with Nick Adams, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Tourism, to discuss the pitch he is bringing to global travel leaders.

Adams calls himself the “Salesman in Chief,” argues the U.S. is safe and welcoming for visitors, and points to 2026 as a peak moment with the FIFA World Cup and the U.S. 250th anniversary. He also delivers a message to the industry on why airlines, hotels, and destinations should build capacity and invest now.

More from Gordon’s interview and Skift’s coverage: https://skift.com/2026/05/13/trumps-tourism-envoy-on-world-cup-worries-false-narratives-and-a-100m-visitor-goal/