US government shutdown could cost travel sector $1 billion per week, disrupt holiday travel

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A partial government shutdown could cost the U.S. travel industry $1 billion per week and lead to widespread disruptions for travelers, a trade group representing airlines, hotels and other travel companies said Friday.

“A prolonged government shutdown threatens holiday travel disruptions that Americans won’t tolerate,” said U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman. On Thursday, the head of the Transportation Security Administration warned an extended partial U.S. government shutdown could lead to longer wait times at airports.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Diane Craft)