What would happen if a US government shutdown were to occur in tourism?

15-03-25

Although the Senate passed a bill Friday night to fund the government through the autumn, averting a shutdown just hours before the midnight deadline, it is inevitable to wonder what would have happened if a deal had not been reached. A government shutdown in the United States not only affects federal employees, but also has a direct impact on the tourism industry, creating delays at airports, affecting the issuance of passports and visas, and hurting businesses that depend on the steady flow of travellers.

A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass a budget to fund government operations, resulting in the suspension of non-essential services. While some sectors can continue to function, tourism is one of the most vulnerable, as it relies heavily on federal agencies that manage airports, borders and tourist sites.

Airports and air traffic control

During a government shutdown, airports would continue to operate, but with limitations. Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are considered essential employees, so they would continue to work, albeit without immediate pay. However, in prolonged shutdowns, staff morale and availability could decrease, increasing waiting times at security checkpoints and leading to flight delays. In past experience, lack of pay has led to significant absenteeism, affecting airport efficiency and flight scheduling.

Passport and visa processing

Passport offices and consulates are often funded through fees charged for their services, which allows them to operate even during a closure. However, if the closure is prolonged, lack of staff and resources can lead to significant delays in the issuance of travel documents. This would affect international travellers, tourists and people who need to renew their passports urgently. In addition, embassies and consulates abroad could see their operational capacity reduced, impacting the processing of visas for foreigners planning to visit the US.

National parks and tourist attractions

One of the sectors most affected by a government shutdown is national parks and historic monuments. In previous shutdowns, many of these attractions have been forced to close or have operated with limited services due to staff shortages. This not only affects the tourist experience, but also impacts local communities that depend on visitors to sustain their economies. Restaurants, hotels and small businesses located in the vicinity of national parks can suffer significant losses.

Economic impact on the tourism industry

The tourism industry is one of the hardest hit in government shutdown situations. According to estimates by the US Travel Industry Association, a prolonged shutdown could generate daily losses of up to USD 140 million in the tourism sector. These losses affect airlines and travel agencies as well as small local businesses that depend on the steady influx of tourists. Uncertainty about the availability of federal services can discourage travel and have a negative impact on the national economy.

Recommendations for travellers

While a government shutdown has been avoided this time around, it is important for travellers to be prepared for possible future scenarios. Some recommendations include:

Plan ahead: Renew passports and apply for visas well in advance to avoid complications in case of delays.
Consult official sources: Keep informed about the status of airports, national parks and other tourism services in the event of a government shutdown.
Be flexible in travel plans: Consider possible changes in itineraries due to delays or unexpected closures of attractions.

Although a government shutdown has been avoided this time around, the risk of a government shutdown in the future remains. A shutdown would affect multiple aspects of tourism, from the operation of airports to the availability of essential services for travellers. Being informed and prepared can make a difference in minimising disruptions to travel plans.

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