by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 12:45 PM ET, Mon July 20, 2026
Fresh off the success of hosting millions of 2026 World Cup travelers across Canada, Mexico and the United States, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is calling for the long-term extension of a tripartite agreement surrounding free trade between the three countries.
AHLA today called for the long-term extension of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a free trade agreement that’s the successor to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Intended to simplify and liberalize trade between the three North American nations, on July 1 the Trump Administration formally declined to renew USMCA, triggering an annual review process that extends negotiations for up to a decade.
Under the agreement, goods from Mexico and Canada enjoy exemption from a series of tariff and non-tariff-related trade barriers, provided they meet certain rules of origin and content thresholds. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has said that the United States is not prepared to “rubber stamp” the agreement due to “substantial issues” with the original agreement.
In its press release today, AHLA said the “prosperity of the North American hospitality industries is deeply interconnected and depends on policies that facilitate cross-border travel.” The hotel organization pointed to the just concluded World Cup as an example of “the strength of a unified North America and the vital role of seamless travel between the three countries.”
More than six million fans attended World Cup matches across the three countries. That level of visitation drives economic growth, supports millions of jobs, and strengthens the interconnected hospitality industries and economies of all three countries, AHLA said in a statement.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup's later stages proved to be a big boost for
the hotel industry across the 11 U.S. host cities this summer. According to figures from CoStar,
"while holiday travel lifted hotel performance nationally, World Cup
host markets continued to generate some of the hospitality industry's
largest gains."
Long-term extension of the USMCA would build upon World Cup momentum by providing the certainty businesses need to invest, strengthen integrated supply chains, and support workforce mobility, the organization added.
"A strong North American partnership provides certainty for businesses, helps keep travel affordable, and strengthens one of the world's most integrated travel economies," Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of AHLA said.
”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,” Maietta added.
Beth McMahon, president and CEO of Hotels Canada, offered similar sentiments surrounding the need to capitalize on current momentum.
"Our three countries have an opportunity to build on the relationships and economic momentum created by this historic event," McMahon, said. "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."
Hotel industry officials said that extending USMCA indefinitely will also help to support the resilient supply chains that hotels rely upon. These supply chains provide everything from food and beverage products to furnishings, linens, and operating supplies.
Cross-border trade helps ensure reliable access to essential goods while keeping costs manageable for hotels and travelers alike, AHLA said.
Long-term continuation of the agreement would also support 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,” said AHLA.
North America is one of the world’s largest tourism markets. In 2025, the United States welcomed 68.3 million international visitors, Mexico welcomed 47.8 million international visitors, and Canada welcomed 19.8 million visitors.
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