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: 2025-05-19
End Date: 2025-05-24

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Travel to Canada Declines in March, Sixth Consecutive Monthly Decrease in Overseas Arrivals

StatsCan reported that trips to Canada by US residents fell 6.6% year-over-year in March 2025, reaching 1.2 million. Overseas arrivals declined 17.4%—the sixth straight monthly decrease. These statistics reflect changing demand patterns for accommodations, tourism services, and related sectors. The data draws attention to persistent headwinds facing travel-dependent businesses and may inform forward-looking planning for hospitality operators.

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

Q1 2025 Commercial Rent Index Data Released

The Commercial Rents Services Price Index for the first quarter of 2025 is now accessible from Statistics Canada. The index tracks changes in rents across key Canadian economic markets, with potential impacts for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues tied to long-term lease agreements. Operators may find relevant data points for benchmarking and financial modeling as leases come up for renewal.

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

Weekly Aircraft Movements: May Data Available for Hospitality Logistics and Travel Service Sectors

Data detailing Canadian aircraft itinerant movements for May 3–9, 2025, have been released. The report captures airport and airline activity trends impacting inbound and outbound passenger flows. These weekly operational statistics offer insights into capacity and potential shifts in group and independent travel, which can bear on demand for conference centers, resorts, and booking services.

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

Hospitality Industry Responds to WorkSafe Rules on Tips and Gratuities

Recent changes to WorkSafe's handling of tips and gratuities have been met with criticism from hospitality operators. Industry participants argue that the new policies alter traditional compensation structures, introducing administrative and financial pressures for venues such as restaurants, bars, and hotels. Coverage explores initial feedback and operational concerns as the rules take effect.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: globalnews.ca

Provincial Announcements

Nova Scotia Streamlines Temporary Food Permit Process for Events

Nova Scotia has overhauled its temporary food permit application, simplifying forms, offering clearer guidelines, and consolidating information online. Multiple events may now be included under a single application.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Ontario Trailer Park and Former Director Fined for Environmental Offences

Comfort Estates Ltd., owner of Maple Grove Trailer Park, and a former director were fined $115,000 for Environmental Protection Act and Ontario Water Resources Act violations tied to sewage system discharges.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

B.C. Announces Funding for Rural and Indigenous Tourism and Recreation Projects

British Columbia has allocated up to $43 million through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program to support more than 130 local projects, including upgrades in the Sea-to-Sky outdoor recreation sector.

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

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Vince Gasparro announced his participation in the ICCO Air Canada Business Excellence Awards, commending Italy-Canada commercial partnerships.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Jean Yip provided a public link to the Royal visit itinerary.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Yasir Naqvi attended the grand opening of EK Bar in Ottawa Centre, noting new culinary offerings in the capital.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Yasir Naqvi, via a French-language post, celebrated the launch of EK Bar by Chef Hemant Bhagwani in Ottawa Centre.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• New WorkSafe tips, gratuities rules criticized by hospitality industry: Coverage examines industry feedback following the implementation of WorkSafe's revised rules on tips and gratuities.
• Lightspeed Commerce sees ‘softness’ in North American hospitality: Article discusses lower transaction activity reported by a key hospitality payment processor.
• Travel Managers Demand More: New Research Reveals Call for Integrated, Intelligent Travel Solutions: Brief on evolving business travel manager software needs.