Government Shutdown Costs U.S. Travel Economy $152 Million Per Day
As Many As 450,000 American Workers Supported by Travel May Be Affected
Day WASHINGTON - October 14, 2013 - In a letter delivered today to the President and Congress, the U.S. Travel Association released a new analysis that estimates the partial government shutdown costs the U.S. $152 million a day in economic output due to lost travel-related activity, affecting as many as 450,000 American workers directly or indirectly supported by the travel industry.
"The government shutdown is throttling America's travel sector, which, until now, has been one of the principal drivers of U.S. economic recovery," said U.S. Travel President and CEO Roger Dow. "Every day the government is shut down is another $152 million down the drain and another day of financial insecurity for as many as 450,000 U.S. workers whose livelihoods are supported by travel."
Travel is America's No.1 services export, and the travel industry has added jobs faster than the rest of the economy since the U.S. economic recovery began in 2010. U.S. Travel estimated that the direct, indirect and induced impact of lost travel-related activity due to the partial government shutdown costs the U.S. $152 million a day in economic output. The combined effects of temporary layoffs, reduced wages and fewer hours worked as a result of the shutdown affects as many as 450,000 U.S. workers who are directly or indirectly supported by America's travel economy.
"Shutting down the government is damaging, and every day the government remains closed compounds the very real consequences," said Dow. "America's travel leaders call on the President and Congress to reach an agreement to immediately reopen the government and keep it open."
Contacts:
Cathy Keefe, (O) 202.408.2183, (C) 703.899.7031
Chris Kennedy, (O) 202.218.3603, (C) 202.465.6635
The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $2.0 trillion in economic output and supports 14.6 million jobs. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit www.ustravel.org.
Follow us on Twitter @ustravel.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
