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GOOD DAY, READERS.

Meet Nick Adams, America's first-ever Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism, Exceptionalism and Values — and the loudest tourism pitchman the U.S. has ever had. At WTTC's leadership summit in Egypt this week, the self-described "alpha male" took aim at "fake narratives" about U.S. pricing, screening, and airport hostility, while laying out an ambitious goal of 100 million international visitors by 2030. With the 2026 World Cup, America's 250th anniversary, and two Olympics looming — and 2025 visitation down 5.5% — Adams sat down with Skift to make his case.

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SKIFT PODCAST NETWORK

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.

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