Travel losses exceed $800 million due to US government shutdown

The previous US government shutdown 35-day stalemate sidelined hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay, created disarray in national parks, caused disruptions to the air travel system, and cost the U.S. millions in lost revenue.

The U.S. Travel Association applauded the White House and congressional leaders today for reaching an agreement to avert another costly partial federal government shutdown.

“We are grateful that our leaders in Washington, recognizing the damaging economic effects of the recent shutdown, were able to reach a funding agreement,” said U.S. Travel President and CEO Roger Dow. “With this chapter now behind us, it is our hope that lawmakers will continue to pursue policies that grow travel to and within the United States.”

U.S. Travel estimates in December alone, the U.S. economy lost more than $800 million in travel-related economic impact due to the shutdown. This represents a cost of $390 million in direct travel spending and more than $400 million in indirect and induced output caused by a partial closure of national parks, as well as the standstill of government travel and business travel for government projects.

source: eTN