June 14, 2026 to June 20, 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

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Judiciary Subcommittee to Examine Airline Competition and Regulation: The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust will hold a hearing titled “The 30,000 Foot View: Competition and Regulation in the U.S. Airline Industry” on June 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2141.

Federal Government News

USDA Forest Service Releases Proposed Directive on Climbing in Wilderness and National Forests

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service proposed a directive to guide climbing activities on National Forest System lands, as published June 18, 2026. The guidance would fulfill requirements set forth under Section 122 of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, addressing both wilderness and non-wilderness areas. According to the Outdoor Industry Association's 2022 report, there were 10.3 million U.S. climbers in 2021, with about 30% of climbing activity occurring on NFS lands. The directive recognizes recreational climbing, including placement and maintenance of fixed anchors, as appropriate under certain circumstances, consistent with statutory and land management policies. The proposal also refines prior approaches to fixed anchors, allowing for limited placement without mandatory minimum requirement analyses. Tribal consultation is ongoing, incorporating feedback related to cultural resources and route development. The public comment period for this directive runs through July 20, 2026, with final rules to be determined after review of comments.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Interior Department Issues Draft Guidance for Climbing in Wilderness Areas

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a draft guidance memorandum and proposed amendments to its Service Manual on June 15, 2026, addressing management of climbing activities in wilderness areas. This responds to Section 122 of the EXPLORE Act, mandating guidance for recreational climbing, and clarifies definitions and policy elements concerning climbing routes and fixed anchors. The draft sets out that climbing routes and anchors established before January 4, 2025 can be retained and maintained. Fixed anchors necessary for technical climbs will not be classified as installations, and their placement may occur without a minimum requirement analysis. Comments are sought from stakeholders by August 14, 2026. This guidance establishes a framework for climbing proposals on both National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System lands, with attention to statutory compliance and land stewardship.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill Proposes Minimum Wage Exemptions for Outdoor Outfitters and Guides

Bill 4838 seeks to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, exempting certain employees working in outdoor recreational outfitting or guiding services from minimum wage and maximum hours requirements. The proposal was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Protect College Sports Act of 2026 Advances in Senate

Bill 4668, titled the Protect College Sports Act of 2026, was ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The measure covers sports and recreation policy matters.

Sources: www.congress.gov

American Decade of Sports Act Moves Forward in Senate Committee

Bill 3676, the American Decade of Sports Act, aims to address sports and recreation policy. The Committee on Foreign Relations ordered the bill to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Travel for Military Members Bill Referred to House Committee

Bill 9328, known as the Improving Travel for Military Members Act, was referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security after introduction. The bill addresses travel-related issues for military personnel.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill Addresses Disclosure Requirements for Algorithmic Pricing

Bill 9371 would require disclosure when personalized algorithmic pricing is used by businesses, with broader consumer transparency objectives. Latest action saw referral to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• American Express to buy Tripadvisor's restaurant booking unit in $700 million deal: American Express announced plans to acquire Tripadvisor’s restaurant booking platform TheFork for $700 million.
• Call It a ‘Book-cation’ or a ‘Readaway,’ Literary Travel Is Having a Moment: Literary-themed travel trips are attracting growing interest among U.S. vacationers in 2026.
• World Cup Tourism Off to a Slow Start in the U.S., Canada and Mexico: Bookings and visitor arrivals for the 2026 World Cup are lagging initial expectations across North America.
• Help! Our Airbnb Shook Us Down Weeks Before the World Cup.: Travelers report last-minute Airbnb cancellations and unexpected fees ahead of the World Cup.
• Why Oatly’s Marketing Went From Wordy Billboards to Beverage Events: Oatly has shifted its marketing focus to experiential beverage events.
• ​A 175-Year-Old Shipwreck, Lots of Booze and an Island’s Quest to Survive: Korea’s Bigeum Island held a champagne festival celebrating a 175-year-old shipwreck discovery.

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