With a potential government shutdown looming, the U.S. Travel Association is urging Congress to act swiftly to avoid what it calls a “wholly preventable blow” to the American travel economy.

In a letter to Congressional leaders, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman warned that a shutdown would cost the industry approximately $1 billion per week, disrupting air and rail travel, closing national parks and museums, and placing “unnecessary strain on an already overextended federal travel workforce.”

“Nearly nine in 10 Americans agree Congress should work together to prevent a shutdown,” Freeman said. “Americans deserve better—lawmakers must act before October 1 to keep our government funded and protect jobs, travelers and our economy.”

Tourism Economics data cited by the Association indicate that the travel sector could lose $1 billion every week during a shutdown. The warning comes as Ipsos survey findings reveal deep public concern about the impact of a potential shutdown:

• 60% of Americans said they would cancel or avoid air travel in the event of a shutdown.
• 81% agree shutdowns harm the economy and inconvenience air travelers.
• 88% believe Congress should work together to avert a shutdown.
• 69% would be less likely to vote for a member of Congress who supports a shutdown.

Beyond delays and closures, the travel workforce could also be hit hard. A shutdown would halt the hiring and training of air traffic controllers, delay infrastructure modernization projects, and lead to longer TSA lines, flight delays and cancellations.

John Rose, Chief Risk and Security Officer for ALTOUR, one of the largest travel management companies in the U.S., added his own concerns. “If there is a government shutdown, it could impact security both domestically and internationally, including passport renewals and TSA checkpoints,” Rose told TravelPulse. He advises travelers to allocate extra time at airports, especially for international flights.

While airlines may be able to continue operating their own baggage handling and check-in services, any process involving TSA, customs or border protection could face significant slowdowns, Rose noted.

As the October 1 funding deadline approaches, the U.S. Travel Association is pressing lawmakers to avoid a shutdown and safeguard the country’s $2.6 trillion travel and tourism sector.