July 12, 2026 to July 18, 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 Education and Workforce Markup on Multiple Acts: The House Education and Workforce Committee will hold a markup session on July 21, considering bills pertinent to workforce standards, franchise regulation, and employee protections at 2:15 p.m. EDT in Rayburn 2175.
• House Agriculture Subcommittee Hearing on Sports Event Prediction Markets: The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development is scheduled for a hearing on July 21 at 2:00 p.m. EDT in Longworth 1300, focusing on customer protections and market integrity in sports event prediction markets.
• Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee to Examine National Park System Bills: On July 21 at 4:30 p.m. EDT in Dirksen 366, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee will review bills related to park boundaries, event hosting, trails, and grant programs affecting recreation and hospitality.
• House Natural Resources Committee Markup on Conservation and Park Measures: The House Natural Resources Committee will conduct a markup on July 22 at 2:00 p.m. EDT in Longworth 1324, reviewing bills concerning law enforcement remembrance, invasive species control, lease investment, swimmer safety, and administrative land transfers.

Federal Government News

DOT Seeks Public Comment on Amendments to Airline Fee Disclosure Rules

The Department of Transportation issued a notice proposing amendments to the information collection requirements associated with consumer disclosures for airline baggage and optional service fees (14 CFR 399.85). The 2026 final rule 'Increasing Flexibility on Disclosure of Airline Ancillary Fees' reinstated requirements in effect prior to the vacated 2024 rule. The amendments impact U.S. and foreign air carriers as well as ticket agents, including OTAs and tour operators, requiring prominent disclosure of baggage fee changes on carrier homepages for at least three months after any change. Additional disclosures must be made on fare quotation screens, e-ticket confirmations, and carrier websites, with specific requirements for codeshare flights. The Department estimates affected parties include up to 275 carriers and over 7,500 ticket agents, with implementation and maintenance costs for website adjustments and booking system programming. The comment period on the proposed collection closes September 14, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CDC Continues Restrictions on Entry from Ebola-Affected Regions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an order under Sections 362 and 365 of the Public Health Service Act, continuing the suspension of entry for certain persons from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan through August 12, 2026. The order is based on data indicating 1,873 confirmed Ebola cases in DRC and ongoing transmission, with Uganda reporting 20 cases epidemiologically linked to DRC. Non-U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been in these countries within the last 21 days are subject to restrictions, while U.S. citizens, members of the armed forces, and certain government personnel remain exempt as per 42 CFR 71.40. The travel restrictions intend to minimize the risk of Bundibugyo virus importation via international airports connected to outbreak regions and concentrate screening resources. Written comments are being accepted through July 31, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Trump Administration Reduces Utah National Monuments

President Donald J. Trump signed proclamations on July 13, 2026, reducing the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Utah. Bears Ears is now limited to approximately 121,100 acres divided into two units, disbanding the Commission and opening excluded lands for energy and resource development. Grand Staircase-Escalante's area is reduced to 181,500 acres, divided into two units, with lands reopened for mineral leasing and timber harvest. The administration cited the Antiquities Act's 'smallest area compatible' standard and claimed many resources are already protected by other federal laws. Revised boundaries aim to restore multiple-use access, enable activities such as grazing and recreation, and launch new management and transportation planning.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Short-Term Rental Transparency Bill Introduced

Bill 9708, titled 'To provide transparency in short-term rental listings, and for other purposes,' has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. This bill proposes requirements focused on improving disclosure for short-term rental platforms.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Ticket Sales Transparency Bill Referred

Bill 9762, 'To require transparency of ticket sales, prohibit withholding information on the number of tickets available to inflate prices, and for other purposes,' was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The measure targets transparency in event ticket sales, directly affecting venues and booking platforms.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Child Protection Act Amendment Clears Committee

Bill 3100, aimed at amending the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to allow organizations to request background checks for contractors and individuals licensed for care of vulnerable populations, was ordered to be reported by a House committee with a vote of 23-0.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Direct Shipment of Spirits Bill Introduced

Bill 9767, 'To allow direct shipment of distilled spirits by craft distilleries, and for other purposes,' has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. If enacted, the bill could facilitate new channels for beverage sales and distribution relevant to hospitality and food service operators.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Robberies, assaults and rapes spur new US travel warning for popular Caribbean getaway: The U.S. issued a travel warning for a Caribbean destination following a surge in violent incidents affecting tourists.
• Americans Are Spending, and Not Just on Necessities: U.S. consumers increased spending in July, including notable rises in retail and hospitality purchases.
• Why Locals Are Gatekeeping Their Favorite Places From Tourists: Residents in global cities are limiting visitor access to popular spots amid mounting tourist influx.
• US restaurant chains hit by foodborne illness outbreaks: Multiple U.S. restaurant chains reported foodborne illness incidents leading to legal actions and operational adjustments.
• For the Eclipse or a Weekend, How to Save Money in Reykjavik: Budget travelers can find affordable accommodation, dining, and experiences in Reykjavik, Iceland during major events.
• How Airline Performance Stacks Up So Far This Year: Airline reliability, on-time statistics, and service outcomes are compared for U.S. carriers through mid-2026.
• Breakingviews - Uber feast marks end of easy food delivery M&A: The Uber acquisition signals a slowdown in food delivery mergers and acquisitions for the U.S. market.

.