October 18, 2026 to October 24, 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

U.S. Census Bureau Revises Annual Business Survey for 2026 Collection

The U.S. Census Bureau published a notice regarding changes to its Annual Business Survey (ABS), affecting the hospitality, food, and recreation sectors. For the 2026 cycle, demographic questions on race, ethnicity, sex, place of birth, citizenship, and age will be removed from business owner surveys, with estimates to be generated from administrative data. Around 230,000 businesses and nonprofits will be sampled, with response required under Title 13 of the U.S. Code. The survey continues to collect information on sales, employment, innovation, R&D, management practices, and select business owner attributes such as disability and education level. The revised survey also integrates the Business Enterprise Research and Development (BERD) module. Nonprofit organizations will only see questions related to research activity. Comments on the proposed changes are due by December 21, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BEA Proposes Revised Thresholds and Categories for International Services Surveying

The Bureau of Economic Analysis at the Department of Commerce issued a request for comment on proposed changes to the Quarterly Survey of Transactions in Selected Services and Intellectual Property with Foreign Persons (Form BE-125). The measures expand transaction detail categories—particularly for data and database intellectual property rights—and introduce a new personal services reporting code, which could include hospitality and recreation transactions with foreign entities. The reporting threshold will rise from $6 million to $20 million in sales, and from $4 million to $12 million in purchases for triggering mandatory reporting. The intention is to align U.S. statistical practice with international guidelines while reducing respondent burden. Stakeholder comments are invited by December 18, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Tahoe National Forest Considers New $20 Recreation Fee at Grouse Ridge Campground

The U.S. Forest Service announced plans to establish a $20 per night expanded amenity recreation fee at Grouse Ridge Campground in Tahoe National Forest. At least 80% of collected fees are to be allocated toward site operation, maintenance, and visitor experience improvements. The initiative complies with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and undergoes a six-month public comment period before any decision is finalized. Reservations, subject to an $8.00 service provider charge (not considered a Forest Service fee), are available via Recreation.gov. The proposal is subject to local public input and review by a Resource Advisory Committee.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

SBA to Review Requirements for Small Business Size Certification in the SBIC Program

The Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a notice regarding its review of reporting and recordkeeping requirements for the "Size Status Declaration" (Form 480) under the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program. The certification is used to assess eligibility for financial support as defined by the Small Business Investment Act and SBA size regulations. The review's objective is to ensure only qualifying small businesses benefit from SBIC resources. Public feedback is sought by November 23, 2026, particularly regarding the accuracy, necessity, and burden of the reporting requirement.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DHS Seeks Comments on Proposed Revision to Travel Document Application Process

The Department of Homeland Security, through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, published a 60-day notice on the revision of the Application for Travel Documents (Form I-131). Notably, selections for certain special parole programs will be removed, though eligibility for parole remains possible on a case-by-case humanitarian or public benefit basis. The estimated volume for this process is 451,365 respondents and an annual burden exceeding 1.1 million hours. Comments are accepted until December 22, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Say Goodbye to Those Onerous Chores at Airbnbs: An overview of new Airbnb policy changes easing guest checkout requirements.
• Holiday Inn owner IHG beats revenue estimates on resilient US travellers: IHG reports higher-than-expected revenue amid strong demand in the U.S. market.
• New Airbnb Rules Will Limit Chores Hosts Can Require: Airbnb to restrict hosts from requiring excessive checkout chores of guests.
• InfluenceWire Announces Pick for Best CDP Implementation Partner for Retail Businesses: InfluenceWire names its top customer data platform implementation partner for retail.
• At one Atlanta restaurant, workers are family. A health insurance crisis tested that commitment: An Atlanta restaurant navigates a health insurance challenge affecting its workforce.
• The most important things to do to stay healthy while traveling: Tips and guidance on maintaining health while on the road.
• Hotel group Accor lifts outlook, says French bookings remain resilient: Accor raises its projections as French and Middle Eastern bookings hold steady.
• Why big music stars like Harry Styles and Celine Dion are embracing residencies: Major artists pursue residencies, changing trends in live entertainment.
• Airbnb guests no longer have to wash the dishes or strip the beds at checkout: Airbnb updates policy to ease guest departure routines.

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