In the face of declining tourism numbers to the U.S. – especially from Canada – two American senators (a Democrat and a Republican) have introduced a bill designed to eliminate Trump administration policies that are detrimental to tourism and ensure that the U.S. is working to officially support the sector through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Senators Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Jerry Moran of Kansas have tabled the ‘USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act,’ which would require that the U.S. Trade Representative advocate for the establishment of a Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group as part of the upcoming Joint Review of the USMCA.
The USMCA, which entered into force in 2020, established joint working groups for other industries, but tourism and travel are not currently represented, notes Masto.
She added in a statement, “U.S. travel and tourism exports were worth $1.3 trillion in 2024 and supported more than 15 million American jobs. However, according to the New York Times, 4.5 million fewer international visits were expected in 2025 compared with 2024, which includes a 26% drop in Canadian visitors.
“Travel and tourism are vital not only to Nevada’s economy, but to the economy of the United States as a whole,” she continued. “As we’ve seen over the past year, tariffs, trade, and international cooperation play a large role in either promoting or deterring international travel. As partners in this historic trade agreement, it’s critical that we do what we can to invite Canada and Mexico to support the American travel industry.”
U.S. travel applauded the bill and the “leadership” efforts of the two senators.
“As the United States faces a decline in international visitation, this bipartisan legislation would ensure travel and tourism are prioritized in the upcoming USMCA joint review. Creating a Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group will deepen cooperation with Canada and Mexico, strengthen North America’s competitiveness, expand travel exports, and support the millions of American workers and businesses that rely on travel,” said Erik Hansen, Sr. VP, Head of Government Relations for U.S. Travel Association.
A “fierce advocate” for Nevada’s tourism economy, Senator Masto has consistently demanded the Trump Administration consider and reverse their policies and make “constructive plans for strengthening travel and tourism in the U.S.,” including hosting a press conference with the Culinary Union in September to call out Trump Administration policies that are slowing travel and tourism in Nevada.
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