GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS

CUSMA Release – July 2026 International Hotel Industry Coalition Calls for Long-Term Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Extension World Cup Underscores Importance of Trade Policies Supporting Cross-border Exchange  OTTAWA, ON | CIUDAD DE MEXICO | WASHINGTON, D.C., July 20, 2026 – Following the conclusion of the 2026 tri-national World Cup games, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), Hotels Canada, and the Hoteles Por México together called for a long-term extension of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), underscoring that the prosperity of the North American hospitality industries is deeply interconnected and depends on policies that facilitate cross-border travel. The successful hosting of the world’s largest sporting event across Canada, Mexico, and the United States highlighted the strength of a unified North America and the vital role of seamless travel between the three countries. With more than six million fans attending matches, hotels and local businesses welcomed the influx of visitors, underscoring how travel drives economic growth, supports millions of jobs, and strengthens the interconnected hospitality industries and economies of all three countries. A long-term extension of CUSMA builds upon this momentum by providing the certainty businesses need to invest, strengthen integrated supply chains, support workforce mobility, and keep North America globally competitive as a destination for business and leisure travel. “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. “As discussions continue on the future of the USMCA, we urge negotiators to build on that momentum by advancing a long-term extension of this landmark agreement.” “Our three countries have an opportunity to build on the relationships and economic momentum created by this historic event,” added Beth McMahon, President and CEO of Hotels Canada. “Extending CUSMA will provide the long-term stability needed to strengthen travel, facilitate investment, and support cross-border supply chains to ensure North America remains the world’s leading destination for business and leisure travel.” “Travel is one of North America’s greatest shared economic strengths. By extending the USMCA, our three countries can continue to grow together – supporting jobs, expanding tourism, strengthening supply chains, and creating new opportunities for communities on both sides of every border,” said Jorge Paoli Díaz, President of Hoteles por México. The CUSMA also strengthens the resilient supply chains that hotels rely on every day. From food and beverage products served in hotel restaurants to furnishings, linens, and operating supplies, cross-border trade helps ensure reliable access to essential goods while keeping costs manageable for hotels and travellers alike. Additionally, the agreement supports workforce mobility across North America. Provisions that facilitate temporary business travel, including the availability of TN-1 visas for hotel managers, help hotels recruit experienced leaders, share expertise across borders, and develop the skilled workforce needed to meet growing demand. About AHLA The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com. About Hotels Canada Hotels Canada is the national voice of the Canadian hotel sector, representing more than 8,300 hotels and 320,000 employees operating in every province and territory. The organization advocates for policies that support a competitive and sustainable hotel industry, provides research and insights to strengthen business performance, and works to advance Canada’s visitor economy. Originally founded in 1913, Hotels Canada continues to champion the interests of hotel operators, workers, and the communities they serve.  Learn more at hotelscanada.ca. About Hoteles Por México Since 1988, the National Hotel Chain Association – Hoteles por México has represented 32 hotel chains operating more than 1,600 properties and 250,000 guestrooms across Mexico, generating approximately 300,000 direct jobs. ANCH is a proactive, impartial, and influential business association that serves as a bridge between government, society, and the hotel industry. Its mission is to position the hotel sector as a key driver of Mexico’s economy through investment, job creation, and workforce development, while promoting initiatives that improve the working conditions and quality of life of those employed in the industry.

International tourism markets matter more than ever.

With its peaceful reputation, beautiful scenery, and welcoming people, Canada can become a top-rated destination globally. However, there are significant barriers to unlock Canada’s potential including: critical workforce and housing shortages, a lack of investment, and diminishing international competitiveness.

With its peaceful reputation, beautiful scenery, and welcoming people, Canada can become a top-rated destination globally. However, there are significant barriers to unlock Canada’s potential including: critical workforce and housing shortages, a lack of investment, and diminishing international competitiveness.