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: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Renews HACCP Information Collection

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced its intent to renew the approved information collection for Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (Sanitation SOPs), pathogen reduction, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems. The renewal, set under the Paperwork Reduction Act, maintains existing requirements without changes and will affect 6,087 respondents who collectively account for an estimated annual burden of 7,045,303 hours. Establishments must continue drafting and revising Sanitation SOPs, conducting microbial testing, and implementing HACCP programs, as well as deploying prerequisite food safety programs. Public comments are invited until April 13, 2026, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal, mail, or hand delivery, with FSIS posting notice on its website and email services. Accessibility and non-discrimination information are also included for program compliance and complaint filing.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

TTB Requests Comments on Alcohol and Tobacco Regulatory Burdens

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) released Proposed Information Collections; Comment Request (No. 98), inviting feedback on several regulatory forms and requirements affecting alcohol and tobacco businesses. These include the Personnel Questionnaire for permits, records for distilled spirits plants, drawback claims for exported wine, specific transportation bonds, and COLAs Online Access Requests. The notice outlines estimated annual burdens such as 8,400 respondents for the Personnel Questionnaire and 5,100 respondents for COLAs Online Access. Respondents are also asked to provide suggestions for improving clarity, reducing burden, and estimating start-up costs for compliance. No program changes have been proposed, though some burden adjustments reflect updated agency estimates. Comments are accepted until April 13, 2026, through Regulations.gov or by mail; all are part of the public record.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Announces Historic Deregulatory Action

President Trump declared the revocation of the Obama administration’s "Endangerment Finding," stating this represents the largest regulatory relief in U.S. history. The repeal eliminates regulations valued at more than $1.3 trillion, with anticipated reductions in vehicle and transportation expenses. The changes are expected to lower vehicle costs by $2,400 and increase consumer choice. Stakeholders—energy groups, automakers, and lawmakers—have voiced support for this move, citing alignment with statutory limits and the restoration of congressional authority on regulatory matters. The administration’s position is to promote energy independence, job growth, and market principles while reducing regulatory mandates such as electric vehicle requirements.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

White House Marks Career and Technical Education Month

The White House released a Presidential Message in recognition of Career and Technical Education Month. The administration outlined ongoing efforts to expand workforce development, short-term training programs, and apprenticeships, including the Workforce Pell Grants initiative focused on high-demand fields. The America’s Talent Strategy is being rolled out to better align education with workforce needs, and an executive order directs federal agencies to prioritize skilled labor. Additional activities include AI education programs, expanded apprenticeship goals to reach one million participants, and financial literacy initiatives. The administration credited these efforts with preparing workers and students for innovation-driven sectors.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

United States and India Announce Major Trade Deal

President Trump and Prime Minister Modi agreed to a historic trade deal establishing a framework for an Interim Agreement and advancing negotiations on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The U.S. will reduce a reciprocal tariff on Indian imports from 25% to 18%, while India commits to reducing tariffs on U.S. food, industrial, and agricultural products and purchasing over $500 billion in American goods. The deal includes provisions to remove non-tariff barriers and digital services taxes, align rules of origin, and improve supply chain resilience. India will halt Russian oil purchases as part of the deal. Both governments are working to finalize implementation terms.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act

Bill 1945 seeks to designate the America's National Churchill Museum as a National Historic Landmark. The House ordered the bill to be reported by unanimous consent, progressing it to the next stage.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Apache County and Navajo County Conveyance Act of 2025

Bill 1829 proposes land conveyances in Apache and Navajo Counties. Latest actions include hearings held by the House Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining.

Sources: www.congress.gov

ACRES Act

Bill 204, titled the ACRES Act, concerns public lands and natural resources. The House Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining conducted hearings.

Sources: www.congress.gov

General George C. Marshall House Designation Bill

Bill 1352 aims to designate the General George C. Marshall House in Virginia as an affiliated area of the National Park System. The House ordered the bill reported with amendments by unanimous consent.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Champagne, Concierges and Emergency Sand: How the Ultra-Rich Travel: Luxury travel agencies cater to unique requirements of affluent travelers.
• Romantic proposals become a booming business in 'City of Love': Event planners in Paris respond to rising demand for elaborate proposal experiences.
• From Julia Child to ‘Tin Fish Date Night’: How Cooking Became Entertainment: Cooking continues to evolve as an entertainment category, with historical and modern flair.
• It’s a Grocery Store, but Selling Food Isn’t the Point: New retail models offer experiences beyond traditional grocery shopping.
• For many, this year's Super Bowl features a salad - and food companies are racing to react: Food brands adjust to consumer preferences as salads trend for Super Bowl gatherings.
• Trump’s Actions Test the Fragile World of Air Travel - The New York Times: Recent government actions drive uncertainty within the commercial air travel sector.
• Another Government Shutdown? Here’s What Travelers Should Know.: Potential government shutdown poses risks for travelers and tourism operations.

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