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: 2026-04-12 to 2026-04-18

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Small Business Committee to Hold Hearing on 'Independent Work, Real Opportunity: The Gig Economy and the Future of Entrepreneurship.': The House Small Business Committee schedules a hearing on April 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET, examining independent work and gig economy entrepreneurship in Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2360.

Federal Government News

FTC Opens Rulemaking to Address Unfair or Deceptive Fees in Online Food Delivery Services

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on potentially unfair and deceptive practices in online food delivery platforms, inviting public comments until May 18, 2026. The notice investigates the prevalence of hidden fees, misleading pricing, price markups, and a lack of clarity about the distribution of tips. The ANPRM references previous FTC enforcement actions regarding misrepresented pricing and transparency in tipping, including cases involving Grubhub and Instacart. The FTC is considering provisions that would require clear disclosure of total prices and itemized fees, regulate promotional offers, address personalized pricing based on consumer data, and clarify tip distributions. The initiative also solicits stakeholder input on costs, benefits, and implementation challenges for such rules and potential impact on consumers, businesses, and competition within the food delivery and restaurant sector.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CDC Requests Comments on Maritime Public Health Data Collection Renewal

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a notice seeking further public comment on the renewal of its information collection for maritime-related public health activities under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This consolidated collection, titled "Maritime-related Public Health Activities," focuses on reporting of ill travelers and deaths on maritime vessels operating in U.S. waters. Previously administered under separate titles, this proposal aims to streamline submission for operators, ship clinicians, and related public health authorities. Data collection includes incident and outbreak reporting, illness investigations, and outcome tracking for communicable diseases, including acute respiratory illnesses and specific conditions such as tuberculosis or varicella outbreaks. The CDC estimates about 836 annual burden hours for industry stakeholders, citing revised forms and electronic submission systems to reduce administrative overhead. Comments on the proposed data collection are accepted within 30 days of publication and can be submitted through the OMB's regulations portal or by direct correspondence.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Celebrates 'No Tax on Tips' Policy in Nevada

President Donald J. Trump visited Las Vegas, Nevada to advocate for the administration’s "No Tax on Tips" policy, which the White House claims has benefited over 53 million Americans since implementation. According to official data, around six million workers took advantage of the no-tax provision on tips, averaging an additional deduction of $7,100, while 25 million utilized the no-tax on overtime rule, realizing about $3,100 in average deductions. The announcement included testimonials from local hospitality workers reporting larger tax refunds and increased financial flexibility this tax year. The White House maintains that the measure increases take-home pay for workers, especially in hospitality sectors prevalent in Nevada, and describes the reforms as part of the largest tax cuts undertaken in U.S. history.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

White House Council on Environmental Quality Launches Permitting Innovators Program

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), part of the White House, introduced the Permitting Innovators program on April 15, 2026, partnering with NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation. The initiative aims to accelerate modernization of federal environmental review and permitting processes through public-private collaboration and technology adoption. Chairman Katherine Scarlett cited identified technology gaps detailed in the Permitting Technology Action Plan (PTAP) and announced a forthcoming call for industry solutions via the Permitting Innovators Call for Solutions. Selected proposals will be showcased at the Permitting Innovators Expo in summer 2026 and catalogued for agency use. This move responds to long-standing critiques concerning delays in federal permitting impacting economic and infrastructure projects and provides an opportunity for businesses to engage with federal process improvements.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Federal Virtual Meetings Announced on Tourism Recovery in the Northern Mariana Islands

The National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) in the Department of Commerce and the Office of the Secretary of Transportation scheduled two virtual public meetings in April 2026 to collect stakeholder input on strategies supporting tourism recovery and air service for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The meetings address the economic consequences of natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the physical remoteness of the islands. The tourism recovery meeting is set for April 22, while the air service discussion will follow on April 29, both with registration required. The agenda includes opening remarks and opportunities for public comment from industry members. The agencies seek feedback on policies supporting sector revitalization and securing affordable, reliable air service options for the CNMI.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

State Government News

New York Begins Construction on Modernization of Haffen Park Pool Complex in the Bronx

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the $13.4 million reconstruction of Haffen Park Pool Complex, delivering accessibility enhancements and upgraded aquatic amenities for Bronx residents through the NY SWIMS initiative.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Buffalo to Host World Cup 2026 Watch Parties at Canalside

Governor Hochul announced three public USA Soccer World Cup watch parties at Buffalo’s Canalside, aiming to boost tourism and local business as part of broader statewide World Cup engagement efforts.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

California Governor Announces State Appointments in Recreation and Housing Agencies

Governor Newsom named several officials to state government and recreation agencies, including the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority, relevant to the operations of public parks and winter recreational destinations.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

California Court Upholds State Law Over Sable Offshore Pipeline Operations

A California court ruled that federal emergency powers do not override state law requiring safety compliance for Sable Offshore’s oil pipeline, with impacts on coastal communities including historic effects on tourism and fisheries.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

New York Governor Proposes Strengthened Protections for Immigrants

Governor Hochul put forward measures barring collaboration between New York law enforcement and federal immigration authorities for non-criminal issues, combined with further limits on data disclosure and school protections.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• I’ve Spent 30 Nights in Hotels Already This Year. Here’s My Wish List.: A travel columnist details desired amenities and industry shifts after extensive hotel stays in 2026.
• Will the World Cup Bring Tourists Back to America?: The U.S. tourism sector assesses the potential impact of hosting the FIFA World Cup.
• You’ve Heard of the Sky Couch. Get Ready for the Skynest.: Air New Zealand introduces bunk-bed style sleep pods for long-haul economy passengers.
• The People’s Airline: How Southwest turned love into a business model: Southwest Airlines leverages its customer-friendly approach to build loyalty and profitability.
• Travelers may be slapped with 'ridiculous' new fees as popular city seeks millions per year: Travelers in a U.S. destination could face new municipal fees amid budgets and tourism funding debates.
• Texas Restaurant Owners Call for Work Permits as Immigration Crackdown Strains Industry: Texas restaurateurs navigate workforce pressures in the context of tightened immigration enforcement.
• In India, $1 housekeepers spark a consumer, worker frenzy despite safety risks: Ultra-low-cost housekeeping services in India draw demand and safety concerns.

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