US, Oct. 12 -- U.S. tourism envoy Nick Adams urged governments to keep tourism above politics at the World Travel & Tourism Council's Global Summit in Malta, praised the gathering as the "Davos of Tourism," and dedicated his WTTC recognition to President Donald Trump. His subsequent public celebration of conservative political allies in Romania sharpened questions about that message-and his title: Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism, Exceptionalism and Values.

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara deserves praise for bringing American government representation into a global tourism dialogue while the United States remains outside UN Tourism's membership. But engagement demands scrutiny. America's beautiful destinations and we...