A bipartisan effort within the U.S. Congress has led to the introduction of the USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act, which aims to rejuvenate the struggling tourism sector across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The legislation is backed by a coalition of lawmakers from both major political parties, emphasizing the critical role that tourism plays in the economies of these North American countries. In particular, the legislators point to the importance of international travelers, especially those from Canada, in bolstering local economies and job markets.

The bill proposes the creation of a Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group, which will be an integral part of the upcoming joint review of CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement). By advocating for this group, the U.S. Trade Representative will be positioned to facilitate greater collaboration and strategic planning among the three nations, enhancing the travel experience and encouraging cross-border tourism. As the U.S. tourism sector faced significant downturns and an estimated drop in international visitor numbers in the past year, the bill is a timely initiative aimed at reversing these trends.

With the U.S. travel and tourism industry valued at approximately $1.3 trillion in 2024, supporting at least 15 million jobs, the implications of such a bill are far-reaching. The success of the USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act could lead to increased tourism flows between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, rejuvenating not only the tourism sector but also contributing to broader economic recovery efforts in the post-pandemic landscape. Ensuring the smooth operation and cooperation among the three neighboring countries will be crucial in revitalizing these vital economic connections.