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Date: 9 October 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today presented its Global Leadership Pioneer Award to H.E. Nick Adams, Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism, Exceptionalism, and Values, honouring the government leader whose bold leadership has shaped the future of Travel & Tourism on a global scale.
The award was presented during WTTC's 26th Global Summit in Malta, bringing together more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 of the world's leading Travel & Tourism CEOs and government ministers.
The WTTC Global Leadership Pioneer Award recognises an exceptional contribution that advances the Travel & Tourism sector and creates new opportunities for collaboration between governments and industry.
In February 2026, history was made as President Donald J. Trump appointed Ambassador Nick Adams as the United States' first Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism, Exceptionalism, and Values. For the first time ever, the United States, the world's largest Travel & Tourism economy, created representation of the industry at the Presidential and White House level.
The appointment marked a significant moment for the industry and sent a clear signal that Travel & Tourism has an important place in economic strategy, international engagement and US Government priorities.
Since taking office, Ambassador Nick Adams has seized that mandate with energy, and conviction. He has championed America as a destination for the world and carried that message across continents. Through engagement with industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders, he has reinforced the importance of closer cooperation between governments and businesses in order to support growth, investment and competitiveness.
The Global Leadership Pioneer Award honors the government leader whose leadership has support travel and tourism on a global scale, and creating opportunities for the industry.
WTTC is proud to present the WTTC Global Leadership Pioneer Award to His Excellency Nick Adams, Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism, Exceptionalism, and Values.
Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of WTTC, said: “Nick’s award is thoroughly deserved as I have seen his ability to inspire our sector with his enthusiasm and flair. He’s a highly-talented and likeable spokesperson for America and is an asset to our entire industry, as we grow future opportunities within America and beyond.”
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: "We’re honouring the government leader whose bold leadership has shaped the future of Travel & Tourism on a global scale. Nick Adams has brought immense energy and dynamism, helping strengthen the dialogue between government and industry. His passion has demonstrated the importance of giving Travel & Tourism a stronger voice at the highest levels of policymaking, including in the White House.”
Nick Adams, US Special Presidential Envoy For Tourism, Exceptionalism and Values, said: “I am truly delighted to accept this award from WTTC. President Trump built a brand recognized around the world as synonymous with world-class hospitality, luxury, and excellence. Today, our entire country is benefiting from that same standard of excellence. It is the honor of my life to have been chosen by President Trump to serve the USA in this role and, together, we have proven that America is the hottest destination on Earth. I am proud to dedicate this award to President Trump, America’s greatest champion and the driving force behind the greatest comeback the world has ever seen.”
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About the World Travel & Tourism Council
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global body representing the private sector of Travel & Tourism and the leading authority on the sector’s economic and social contribution worldwide. Its members include Chairmen, Presidents and CEOs of the world’s leading travel and tourism companies across hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators, technology platforms and destinations, spanning every major region globally.
WTTC works to advance sustainable growth across the Travel & Tourism sector by driving collaboration between industry leaders and governments, shaping global policy, and providing authoritative research on the sector’s economic impact worldwide.