Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

U.S. to reopen Canada and Mexico borders for vaccinated travelers

Travel associations say the reopening will boost the travel and hospitality industries

U.S. to reopen Canada and Mexico borders for vaccinated travelers

VACCINATED TRAVELERS FROM Mexico and Canada will soon be able travel freely into the U.S. The lifting of such travel restrictions has been a goal of travel associations for months, so the change was welcomed by them.

The new policy is in keeping with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health experts, said Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of Homeland Security, said in a statement. There will be two phases to the changes, beginning in November when the U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin allowing fully vaccinated travelers from Mexico or Canada to enter the U.S. with the appropriate paperwork while non-vaccinated travelers will still be barred from visiting for non-essential purposes.


Then, in early January 2022, DHS will require all inbound foreign national travelers entering the country for essential or non-essential reasons be fully vaccinated and provide related proof of vaccination. DHS said the staggered approach will give time for essential travelers such as truckers, students, and healthcare workers to get vaccinated.

“Cross-border travel creates significant economic activity in our border communities and benefits our broader economy,” Mayorkas said. “We are pleased to be taking steps to resume regular travel in a safe and sustainable manner.”

Reopening the Canadian and Mexican borders is particularly important for the travel and hospitality industries, said Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association president and CEO, in a statement. USTA has been pressing for reopening for months.

“U.S. Travel has long urged a reopening of the U.S. land borders, and we applaud the Biden administration’s plan to ease entry restrictions for vaccinated visitors. This action will bring a welcome surge in travel from our two top source markets of inbound travel,” Dow said. “Declines in international visitation since the start of the pandemic have resulted in more than $250 billion in lost export income and more than a million U.S. jobs. The closed Canadian and Mexican land borders alone costs the U.S. economy nearly $700 million per month.”

The Global Business Travel Association also emphasized the economic importance of the reopening plan.

“This announcement will give a much-needed kick-start to the economies of communities along both borders, and allow ‘drive-stay’ business travel to restart safely following the steady roll-out of vaccination programs and decreasing rates of infection,” said Suzanne Neufang, GBTA’s CEO. “Border closures have dramatically affected business travel and the businesses which rely on the movement of people for business purposes. We look forward to this policy helping to mend an industry worth $1.4 trillion to the global economy in 2019.”

More for you

Howard Johnson 100th anniversary

HoJo marks centennial with throwback

Summary:

  • Howard Johnson is marking its 100th anniversary with fried clam–shaped soaps.
  • The soaps pay homage to an iconic HoJo menu item.
  • Available at select hotels and for online purchase starting Oct. 3.

HOWARD JOHNSON BY Wyndham marks a century with one of its most famous menu items, the fried clam strip. The brand is introducing limited-edition HoJo’s Original Fried Clam Soap, available at select Howard Johnson hotels across the U.S. and for online purchase beginning Oct. 3.

Keep ReadingShow less
HAMA Fall 2025 survey results

Survey: Hotels expect Q4 RevPAR gain

Summary:

  • More than 70 percent expect a RevPAR increase in Q4, according to HAMA survey.
  • Demand is the top concern, cited by 77.8 percent, up from 65 percent in spring.
  • Only 37 percent expect a U.S. recession in 2025, down from 49 percent earlier in the year.

MORE THAN 70 PERCENT of respondents to a Hospitality Asset Managers Association survey expect a 1 to 3 percent RevPAR increase in the fourth quarter. Demand is the top concern, cited by 77.8 percent of respondents, up from 65 percent in the spring survey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Group DST Mansfield Texas

Peachtree adds Mansfield, TX, industrial asset to DST

Summary:

  • Peachtree launched new DST with 131,040‑square foot industrial facility in Mansfield, Texas.
  • The property was acquired at $180 per square foot.
  • Peachtree completed $320M in debt-free transactions across multiple markets since 2022.

PEACHTREE GROUP LAUNCHED its latest Delaware Statutory Trust with the acquisition of a newly built 131,040-square-foot industrial facility in Mansfield, Texas. The company has completed about $320 million in debt-free transactions since launching its DST program in 2022, according to its statement.

Keep ReadingShow less
American Franchise Act announced in U.S. Congress to protect hotel franchising and jobs

House unveils act to boost franchise business

Summary:

  • House introduces AFA to boost franchise model and hotel operations.
  • The act establishes a joint employer standard.
  • AHLA backs the bill, urging swift adoption.

THE HOUSE Of Representatives introduced the American Franchise Act, aimed at supporting the U.S. franchising sector, including 36,000 franchised hotels and 3 million workers nationwide. The American Hotel & Lodging Association, backed the bill, urging swift adoption to boost the franchise model and clarify joint employer standards.

Keep ReadingShow less
Noble Investment Group Mobile Alabama

Noble breaks ground on StudioRes in Mobile, AL

Summary:

  • Noble broke ground on StudioRes Mobile Alabama at McGowin Park.
  • The 10th StudioRes expands Noble’s long-term accommodations platform.
  • Noble recently acquired 16 WoodSpring Suites properties through two portfolio transactions.

NOBLE INVESTMENT GROUP broke ground on StudioRes Mobile Alabama at McGowin Park, a retail center in Mobile, Alabama. It is Noble’s 10th property under Marriott International’s extended stay StudioRes brand.

Keep ReadingShow less