This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning hotels, restaurants, casinos, gaming operations, event and sports venues, cruise lines, theme parks, ski resorts, outdoor spaces, RV and caravan parks, and all hospitality, travel and tourism professionals. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track GR news in adjacent industries related? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Arts & Culture. Also consider subscribing to our Hospitality & Retail - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-04-05 to 2026-04-11

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Labor Department Updates Allowable Charges for H-2A/H-2B Worker Meals and Travel

On April 7, the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration released the annual update to monetary charges for meals provided to H-2A agricultural workers, raising the maximum allowable charge to $16.78 per day, reflecting a 3.1 percent year-over-year increase in the CPI-U for Food. The notice details travel-related subsistence reimbursement for H-2A and H-2B programs, including new standard CONUS meal and incidental expenses rates of $68.00 per day and lodging rates at $110.00 per day for 2026. Employers must reimburse workers for qualifying travel expenses, including meals and lodging, as outlined in 20 CFR 655.122(h)(1) and related statutes. The update also reminds employers of their obligations regarding overnight lodging costs when workers are required to travel. These requirements are effective as of April 7, 2026, with further guidance available through DOL and GSA resources.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

IRS Requests Comment on Rules for Certain Rental Real Estate Activities

The Internal Revenue Service issued a notice on April 6 soliciting public comment on the continuing information collection relating to Revenue Procedure 2011-34, governing late elections to treat all interests in rental real estate as a single activity for passive activity loss rules. The IRS estimates 2,000 responses take an average of 30 minutes each, for a total annual burden of 1,000 hours. Stakeholders have until June 5, 2026, to provide feedback, with comments to be submitted directly to the IRS as detailed in the notice. The agency invites input on the necessity, utility, and burden of the information collection as part of routine Paperwork Reduction Act review.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Interior Department Seeks Public Comment on Customer Experience Data Collection Renewal

On April 9, the Department of the Interior published a notice seeking public comment on the renewal of its 'Improving Customer Experience' information collection, as required by OMB Circular A-11, Section 280. The renewal advances efforts to benchmark federal customer service quality against private sector standards and to report on customer experience data for high-impact federal programs. The notice underscores the voluntary and low-burden nature of the collection, which may obtain feedback from individuals, businesses, and government entities interacting with agency services. Comments are due by June 8, 2026, with further details and contact points published in the notice. Annual respondents are estimated at 146,384, with no expected nonhour costs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Statement on the 90th Masters Tournament

On April 9, the President issued a statement marking the opening of the 90th Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. The message commended the event’s long-standing role in American sports and acknowledged traditions such as the Green Jacket presentation. Recognition was also extended to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion and tournament participants. The event’s visibility and historical significance are noted in the context of its place within the national sports calendar.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Economic Revitalization of Contaminated Sites Bill Introduced

Bill 8238 was introduced, directing the Secretary of Commerce and the EPA Administrator to collaborate on efforts promoting economic revitalization of environmentally contaminated sites. It has been referred to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Financial Services, and Energy and Commerce for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Interstate Ferry Fairness Act Referred to Committee

Bill 8200, titled the Interstate Ferry Fairness Act, has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The measure concerns regulatory matters affecting interstate ferry operations within the transportation and public works policy area.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Reauthorization Bill Introduced

Bill 8210, to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, has been referred to the Committees on Education and Workforce and Ways and Means. Both committees are set to consider provisions within their respective jurisdictions as part of the reauthorization process.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• The Click That Cost $11,000 and Other Travel Pitfalls: U.S. travelers face costly online booking errors and scams impacting hotels and airlines.
• Inside a Corporate Retreat That Went Very Badly Wrong: A major corporate retreat faced unexpected issues, exposing risks in event planning and group travel logistics.
• US service sector cools in March, inflation heating up amid Iran war: U.S. service sector expansion slowed in March, with price pressures rising during Middle East tensions.
• Bikini skiing takes off on slopes as record warmth forces resorts into survival mode: Resorts adapt to record warm temperatures with novel offerings, including bikini skiing events.
• A Must for the Next Food Craze? Be ‘Social Media Gorgeous.’: Restaurants focus on visually striking menu items like ube desserts to attract customers via social media.
• How a shorter SXSW hit downtown Austin's tourism: Austin tourism businesses respond to impacts from a condensed SXSW festival schedule.
• New Owner of Historic Shopping Plaza Pitches a $1.5 Billion Rescue Plan: Plans emerge for extensive redevelopment of a historic Kansas City shopping plaza under new ownership.

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