Three leading hospitality associations across North America have joined forces to press for a long-term extension of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), arguing the trade pact is essential for the region’s deeply integrated travel economy. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), Hotels Canada, and Hoteles Por México issued a joint statement calling on policymakers to extend the agreement well beyond its current 2026 review date, which coincides with the FIFA World Cup hosted across the three nations.
The coalition points to the 2026 World Cup as a powerful demonstration of seamless cross-border travel, with more than six million fans attending matches in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. That event, they argue, highlighted the economic benefits of frictionless movement and the need for a stable trade framework to sustain momentum.
Certainty for Investment and Supply Chains
“A strong North American partnership provides certainty for businesses, helps keep travel affordable, and strengthens one of the world’s most integrated travel economies,” said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of AHLA. Her counterpart at Hotels Canada, Beth McMahon, added that extending the USMCA would ensure long-term stability, facilitating investment and supporting cross-border supply chains that range from linens and furniture to food and beverage sourcing.
Jorge Paoli Díaz, President of Hoteles Por México, emphasized that travel is a shared economic strength for the region. “It supports millions of jobs and expands tourism across all three countries,” he said. The coalition’s message is clear: without a long-term extension, businesses face uncertainty that could stall capital expenditure on new properties, renovations, and technology upgrades.
Workforce Mobility and TN-1 Visas
A critical but often overlooked component of the USMCA is its provisions for workforce mobility, particularly the TN-1 visa category. These visas allow experienced hotel managers and other professionals to move across borders for assignments, a vital tool for hospitality groups operating multi-country portfolios. The coalition argues that modernizing cross-border mobility and digital travel processes—such as biometric entry and pre-clearance programs—would further enhance the region’s economic competitiveness.
In 2025, North America remained one of the largest tourism markets globally. The United States welcomed 68.3 million international visitors, Mexico recorded 47.8 million, and Canada saw 19.8 million arrivals. The hotel industry coalition believes that extending the USMCA will help these numbers grow, particularly as demand for premium travel surges on routes like New York–Toronto, Los Angeles–Mexico City, and Vancouver–Cancún.
The call comes as other sectors of the travel industry also push for policy stability. For instance, IATA’s 2025 data shows premium travel surging globally, underscoring the importance of predictable trade rules for airlines and hoteliers alike. Similarly, Virgin Atlantic’s deepening of its India network reflects how bilateral agreements can unlock new markets.
The coalition’s stance is also relevant for MICE planners and tour operators who rely on cross-border movement for events and group travel. A stable USMCA would simplify logistics for multi-destination conferences and incentive trips, a segment that has rebounded strongly post-pandemic.
As the 2026 review date approaches, the hospitality industry is making its voice heard. The question now is whether trade negotiators will heed the call for a long-term extension that gives businesses the confidence to invest in the next decade of North American travel.
