Hospitality

QSA's Week in Hospitality (#17, 2025)

CBSA updates for private boaters entering Canada; Food service sales decline; Screened passenger traffic shows slight year-over-year increase; Business openings dip in January; Government marks 80th anniversary of Netherlands liberation.

Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning hotels, restaurants, event and sports venues, cruise lines, casinos, gambling, theme parks, ski resorts, outdoor spaces, RV parks, and other travel and tourism professionals. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-04-27
End Date: 2025-05-03

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Food Services and Drinking Places Record 0.6% Sales Decrease in February

Statistics Canada reported that total sales in the food services and drinking places subsector declined by 0.6% in February 2025, reaching $8.2 billion. The decline follows previous fluctuations in the sector and will be monitored as operators respond to shifting consumer demand.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Business Opening Rate Slips in January as Closures Remain Elevated

The business opening rate across Canada dropped 0.3 percentage points to 4.8% in January 2025, slightly above the 2015–2019 average. The business closure rate contracted to 4.9%, exceeding its historical average by 0.3 percentage points. These shifts come after two months of steady opening rates and mark continued volatility in business activity.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Screened Passenger Traffic at Major Airports Rises 1.5% Year-over-Year in March

In March 2025, 4.6 million passengers were recorded passing through pre-board security screening at Canada’s eight largest airports, a 1.5% increase compared to March 2024. However, this figure remains 1.7% below the pre-pandemic level reported in March 2019, according to Statistics Canada.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

CBSA Updates Entry and Reporting Obligations for Private Boaters Ahead of Summer Season

The Canada Border Services Agency reminded private boaters of their legal obligations when entering Canadian waters, effective May 2, 2025. All travellers arriving by boat must report to CBSA, with requirements varying by nationality, itinerary, and passenger count. Foreign nationals must meet admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Surtaxes on certain U.S. goods brought into Canada may apply, with a 25% surtax for goods exceeding personal exemption limits. Boaters are instructed to declare at telephone reporting sites or in-person at designated marine reporting locations. Vessels carrying 30 or more passengers must provide written notification 72 hours in advance.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Delegation Commemorates 80th Anniversary of Netherlands Liberation

Veterans Affairs Canada announced that an official delegation, including over 20 Second World War veterans and their families, is in Europe from late April to May 7, 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. Events include a May 2 ceremony at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery and Canadian hospitality activities in Apeldoorn. The government is co-hosting commemorative events with Armed Forces participation, supporting Canada’s ongoing diplomatic and historical ties with the Netherlands.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

B.C. Extends Short-Term Rental Platform Compliance Deadlines

British Columbia has extended deadlines for short-term rental platforms to validate registration numbers and remove non-compliant listings, moving these requirements to June 2 and June 23, 2025, in response to technical challenges.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Expansion of China Beach Campground Increases Campsite Capacity

Juan de Fuca Park’s China Beach Campground will open 13 new campsites and accessible facilities on May 15, 2025, with reservations available starting May 1. Parking and service upgrades are scheduled for fall.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario to Enforce Accommodation Sector Registration of Guests Act in 2026

Ontario will bring the Accommodation Sector Registration of Guests Act into force on January 1, 2026, providing police with expanded tools to investigate human trafficking in hotels and short-term rentals.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Montréal Signs New Agreement to Attract International Conferences

A tripartite agreement between Palais des congrès de Montréal, Tourisme Montréal, and UQAM will provide structured support for faculty organizing major international congresses, aiming to strengthen Montréal’s position as a business tourism hub.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Recognizes Over 5,380 Volunteers in 2025 Service Awards

The Ontario government is honouring more than 5,380 community leaders at the 2025 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards, recognizing ongoing service to organizations across the province at 40 ceremonies between spring and fall.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Senator Tony Loffreda Attends Mount Royal Club Event for Chris Nilan Story

Senator Tony Loffreda shared his attendance at the Mount Royal Club's official launch of 'Knuckles – The Chris Nilan Story,' referencing upcoming event dates and recognizing contributors to the evening.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Sylvie Bérubé Shares Weekend Community Engagement in Val-d’Or and Matagami

MP Sylvie Bérubé posted about participating in Val-d’Or’s #DéfiTêteRasée event at the Canadian Legion and attending a dinner with seniors in Matagami.