August 16, 2026 to August 22, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Small Business Administration Proposes New Size Standards for Industry Groups

The Small Business Administration issued a proposed rule revising small business size standards for 338 industry groups and industries, with comment period closing September 21, 2026. The update moves from industry-specific 6-digit NAICS codes to a combined approach using 4- and 5-digit codes, resulting in more streamlined eligibility criteria for federal programs. The revision incorporates productivity growth and inflation adjustments for receipt-based standards, increasing the minimum threshold to $30.6 million. The proposal is expected to expand eligibility, with nearly 114,500 additional businesses qualifying as small, affecting sectors including hospitality, restaurants, retail, and travel services. No industry will see a reduction in size standards if it maintains the same measure. This adjustment responds to congressional requirements and aims to ease administrative burden for agencies and businesses. SBA’s regulatory documentation details impacts on federal contracting, loan programs, and competitive participation.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

SBA Publishes Methodology for Small Business Size Standards Revision

Concurrently with its proposed rule, the SBA released an updated methodology paper outlining the analytic basis for revised size standard calculations. Key components include industry structural characteristics via market size, geographic scope, and import/export adjustments—calculated from aggregated Census, BEA, and USDA datasets. The document provides formulas for converting market factors to employment or receipts-based standards, proposes grouping industries at higher NAICS levels where appropriate, and details considerations for determining service versus manufacturing classifications. SBA invites public comment on aggregation choices, sizing measures, and data sources, as well as the algorithm for geographic market calculation. The methodology anticipates periodic review and further inflation/productivity adjustments as needed.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FTC Seeks Extension of Paperwork Clearance for Franchise Rule

The Federal Trade Commission issued a Federal Register notice requesting an extension for its Franchise Rule Paperwork Reduction Act clearance, with comments due September 17, 2026. The Franchise Rule governs disclosure requirements and financial performance documentation for franchisors, obligating maintenance of records and FDDs for three years. Estimated compliance burden exceeds 22,000 hours annually, with labor and non-labor costs detailed in the notice. The extension ensures continuation of rule-enforced transparency for franchise investors, impacting hospitality franchises such as hotels, restaurants, and booking services.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

GSA Updates System of Records for Contracted Travel Services Program

The General Services Administration issued a notice modifying the Contracted Travel Services Program (GSA/GOVT-4), effective August 20, 2026. The program integrates advanced technology for secure travel management, supporting booking, expense reporting, and travel authorization. Technical revisions were made to storage, retrieval, retention, safeguards, and notification procedures, with new sections for Security Classification and History. Travel Management Companies listed under Schedule 561510 operate under GSA contract, impacting official federal travel for employees, invitational travelers, and contractors. The retention of financial records aligns with NARA schedules; electronic information is encrypted and protected. Federal agencies may use these services for approved travel and expense reimbursement, and data is shared with credit card companies, carriers, and other federal entities under defined routine uses.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Temporarily Suspends Duties on Select Canadian Imports

President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation on August 18, 2026, suspending additional duties previously slated for Canadian imports of alcoholic beverages, dairy, and motor vehicles. The duties, established via Proclamations 11046, 11047, and 11048 to address Canadian trade restrictions affecting U.S. hospitality-related exports, are paused for three days following negotiation commitments from Canada. Relevant agencies have authority to alter the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and process refunds, pending resolution of outstanding issues. The suspension affects cross-border suppliers in beverage, dairy, and automotive sectors, with regulatory adjustments notified to impacted parties.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Sri Lanka launches tourism push to reach $4.2 billion target: Sri Lanka initiates new programs to boost tourism revenue for 2026.
• India's IndiGo reservation platform issues disrupt some bookings, check-in: IndiGo airline’s platform outage affects booking and passenger check-in processes.
• Why some couples are combining a European vacation with their IVF treatments: Couples are pairing IVF procedures with holiday travel in Europe.
• How to Find the Best Travel Deals Over Labor Day and Beyond: Guide to securing travel discounts for Labor Day and upcoming seasons.
• Plan Your Trip to This Portugal Beach Town Before Everyone Else Does: Comporta, Portugal offers beaches and accommodations for early planners.
• PODCAST: Retail therapy: Discussion of retail sector performance and consumer demand trends.

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