U.S. Travel Association: America’s Travel Economy Has Lost $1 Billion—and Counting

WASHINGTON (October 8, 2025)—It has been one week since the government shutdown began, and Congress has yet to reach an agreement to restore funding—costing America’s travel economy an estimated $1 billion each week in lost spending.

“This shutdown is doing real, irreversible damage,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Travelers are facing longer TSA lines and flight delays. Airports are reducing flights and we’ve seen entire control towers go dark. The longer this drags on, the worse the cascade of damage will be—for local communities, for small businesses and for the country. Congress needs to act now and reopen the government.” 

U.S. Travel is tracking the ongoing economic fallout through its real time cost ticker, which crossed the $1 billion mark Wednesday morning.

“Travel keeps America moving. When travel is delayed and services are disrupted, the ripple effects reach every corner of our country,” added Freeman. 

U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation’s economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related data.