The U.S. government shutdown has cost the travel economy more than $1 billion so far, according to the U.S. Travel Association, with CEO Geoff Freeman saying the shutdown is "doing real, irreversible damage."
"Travelers are facing longer TSA lines and flight delays," Freeman said. "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 shutdown's economic fallout through a real-time cost ticker on its website, which crossed the $1 billion mark on Oct. 8. The number is based on the impact of previous shutdowns and the combined effect of closed attractions, such as national parks and museums; declines in government-related travel; and decreased air and rail passenger activity.
"Travel keeps America moving," Freeman said. "When travel is delayed and services are disrupted, the ripple effects reach every corner of our country."