May 24, 2026 to May 30, 2026

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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

CDC Issues Amended Order Under Public Health Service Act Suspending Entry from Ebola-Affected Countries

On May 29, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an Amended Order under Sections 362 and 365 of the Public Health Service Act, suspending the introduction of certain non-citizens—including lawful permanent residents—from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, or South Sudan if they have been present in those countries within the last 21 days. The order, effective for 30 days, addresses the increased risk of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, with hundreds of cases and dozens of deaths reported in eastern DRC. Travelers transiting through major African and international airports may enter the U.S. while asymptomatic, complicating disease containment. The order directs federal agencies to focus resources on monitoring and mitigating risk among permitted arrivals and opens a public comment period until June 22. Exceptions apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, armed forces personnel, and others with documented DHS-approved processes tied to CDC guidance.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CDC Interim Final Rule on Foreign Quarantine Expands Authority to Bar Lawful Permanent Residents

The CDC published an interim final rule amending 42 CFR Part 71 on May 27, eliminating the exemption for lawful permanent residents in suspension orders related to foreign communicable disease outbreaks. The Bundibugyo variant of Ebola in DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan prompted immediate application of the new rule to incoming travelers. The amendment enables the Director of CDC to suspend introduction of both non-citizens and permanent residents from designated countries should public health require it. No new information collection is introduced, and the rule has immediate effect, with an open public comment period through June 26. Federal coordination is expected across health, border, and migration agencies.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Executive Order Removes Restrictions on Access to Federal Lands for Recreation and Resource Development

President Trump issued an executive order on May 29 rescinding Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, which regulated off-road vehicle use on federal lands. The order directs agencies to revise or rescind related regulations, shifting management toward existing statutes including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and Federal Land Policy and Management Act. Agencies are instructed to implement updated land management standards that aim to enhance public access and recreational opportunities and resolve barriers affecting energy production, tourism, and rural economies. The directive does not establish enforceable rights and will be implemented subject to legal and budget limits.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

PREP Act Declaration for Andes Virus Following Cruise Ship Outbreak

The Secretary of Health and Human Services issued a PREP Act Declaration on May 27, providing liability immunity for activities related to medical countermeasures against the Andes virus, triggered by an outbreak aboard the cruise ship M/V Hondius. The order covers manufacturers, distributors, program planners, and qualified persons globally, effective through July 18, 2026, with compensation mechanisms via the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program. Favipiravir and other pandemic countermeasures are included. The Andes virus causes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome—38% fatality rate—with no FDA-approved treatments. Eighteen passengers were repatriated; coverage extends to exposed individuals and those administered countermeasures.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

OSHA Opens Comment Period on Walking-Working Surfaces Recordkeeping Standard

The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration submitted an information collection request to OMB for the Walking-Working Surfaces Standard, with public comments due by June 29. The standard addresses procedures to prevent injury among workers on ladders, rope descent systems, and unprotected siding. The agency estimates 589,480 respondents, 1.34 million annual responses, 649,612 annual hours, and $66.1 million in additional costs. Stakeholders may provide feedback on the collection’s practical utility, burden, and method validity.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 9032: Pilot Grants for Renovation and Development of Third Spaces

Bill 9032 proposes that the Secretary of Commerce establish a pilot grant program for renovation and development of third spaces—public gathering places outside home and work. Referred on May 26 to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Financial Services for jurisdictional review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 9041: Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Incentive Program

Bill 9041 seeks to establish programs improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and incentivize transit use of bicycles. The bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Ways and Means for consideration of relevant provisions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 9036: High-Speed Rail Corridor Development

Bill 9036 amends Title 49 to authorize high-speed rail corridor development. The legislation was referred on May 26 to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Ways and Means for subsequent review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Costlier flights, hotels divide US summer travel into haves and have-nots: Rising travel costs result in divergent summer travel experiences across income groups.
• I can't afford to travel now. Are you taking a trip? Tell us. | Opinion: Travelers and analysts discuss affordability issues in summer vacation planning.
• Where the Swedes Go in Summer: Sweden's Österlen region attracts locals for summer holidays with its hotels and restaurants.
• ‘It’s Like a Pandemic.’ Cuba’s Tourism Industry Is Completely Unraveling.: Cuba experiences a collapse in its tourism sector, drawing comparisons to pandemic-era disruptions.
• 30 years after ‘Into Thin Air’ disaster, Everest has changed. Now the weather isn’t the only big threat: Everest's guiding industry faces new challenges three decades after the 1996 disaster.
• Travel industry worries after Trump administration reiterates threat to sanctuary city airports: US travel sector voices concerns as Trump administration comments on sanctuary city airport screening.

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