Travel Industry Braces for Disruptions as Shutdown Drags On
Photo Credit: Side view of the U.S. Capitol Building, home of Congress, and located atop Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Adobe Stock / sherryvsmith
Skift Take
Tour group operators say travelers have been able to adapt to the government shutdown’s disruptions so far, but concerns mount as the lapse in funding drags on.
With the Senate not scheduled to reconvene until Tuesday, the travel industry is poised to head into week three of operations under a government shutdown.
Trade groups warn the impact of a prolonged shutdown would be significant. Some airports have already reported reported cancellations or delays tied to staffing shortages, while national park advocacy groups worry about vandalism and visitor safety. Lost spending is expected to cost the industry an estimated $1 billion each week, according to the U.S. Travel Association.
Skift reached out to more than a dozen tour operators and tourism agencies operating in some of the country’s largest destinations. The takeaway: Some travelers are rescheduling or canceling trips as flight and national park accessibility comes under question, and holiday travel bookings may take a hit if the shutdown drags on.
Despite the challenges, various tour group operators say disruptions so far have
