A proposal in Congress would require the U.S. Trade Representative to prioritize the creation of a travel and tourism trade working group with Canada and Mexico at the next joint review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which begins July 1. 

The measure, introduced in the House by Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., and in the Senate by Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., alongside Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., seeks to address declining cross-border visitation tied to trade and diplomatic tensions.

Under the legislation, American representatives on the proposed panel would include officials from the Departments of Commerce, Labor, Transportation, Interior, State, and Homeland Security. The group would also solicit input from trade and tourism companies. Titus’ office said the initiative would be established under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which was signed during President Donald Trump’s first administration.

The bill comes as Las Vegas reports measurable declines in international tourism. Visitor volume to the city dropped 7.5% last year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Over the same period, the authority’s collections from room taxes and gaming fees fell 10% compared with 2024.

Airport data reflect a sharp reduction in Canadian air travel. WestJet and Air Canada recorded 27.8% and 21.9% fewer passengers, respectively, traveling through Harry Reid International Airport last year compared with 2024. By contrast, Volaris, Mexico’s largest airline, reported a smaller 3.2% decline in passengers to Las Vegas, according to airport figures.

Titus attributed the downturn in Canadian and Mexican visitation to policies under President Donald Trump, stating he alienated the neighboring countries “through his words and policies.”

“We need to rebuild our relationships with two of our largest tourism partners,” Titus said in a press release. “Our tourism economy declined in 2025, costing us jobs and revenue. Half of our international visitors come from Canada and Mexico. We need to win them back.”

Cortez Masto emphasized the link between trade policy and travel flows. “Tariffs, trade, and international cooperation play a large role in either promoting or deterring international travel,” Cortez Masto stated. “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.”

Industry representatives have also expressed support for closer coordination. “Creating a Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group will strengthen North American cooperation, boost competitiveness, expand travel exports, and support the millions of American workers and businesses powered by travel,” Erik Hansen, the U.S. Travel Association’s head of government relations, said.