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The failure of the US Congress to reach an agreement on a spending package for the new fiscal year led to a government shutdown starting October 1st, causing serious and complex impacts on many sectors, especially tourism. Millions of international and domestic tourists' plans to explore America were completely disrupted, with a range of essential services halted, from airport security to famous parks and museums. This event not only caused economic losses but also had repercussions on the operation and preservation of heritage sites.
Although flights will continue to operate, the U.S. aviation industry is facing immense pressure and the risk of widespread delays and cancellations. This is because essential personnel, including air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff at airport security checkpoints, are being forced to continue working without pay.
Flights will still take off, but the aviation industry will face significant pressure with numerous delays and cancellations.
Staffing shortages have been a recurring issue during previous government shutdowns, leading to extended security check times and congestion at major airports. A prime example is the January 2019 shutdown, when a mass sick leave by air traffic controllers forced LaGuardia Airport in New York to temporarily cease operations, triggering a chain reaction of delays in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, prompting the then-President to approve temporary funding. This shutdown even directly impacted efforts to modernize the U.S. air traffic control system.
Although the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has met its target of hiring more than 2,000 new air traffic controllers for fiscal year 2025, the recruitment, on-the-job training, and performance analysis of these new personnel will almost certainly be delayed.
The biggest and most noticeable impact on visitors is the potential closure of 433 national parks across the United States. According to the National Park Service, visitors may find gates locked or doors closed. Even if they manage to enter, they will have no access to National Park Service (NPS) personnel. The association's president, Theresa Pierno, warns that the current level of risk is even higher than in previous instances, when parks were already in a state of crisis. This closure would not only furlough thousands of employees and cost local communities millions of dollars in tourism revenue, but would also jeopardize the conservation of natural resources and historical sites.
According to the National Park Service, the government shutdown could force 433 parks across the United States to cease operations.
Besides parks, many of America's most famous museums could also be affected. The Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum management organization, oversees 21 museums and the National Zoo (mostly in Washington, D.C.) – and said the facilities will remain open until at least October 6th thanks to remaining funds. After that date, the future of museums, including the National Air and Space Museum, remains a big question mark.
Visitors may find the gates locked or the doors closed. Or, even if they manage to enter the park, they may not have access to any assistance.
The government shutdown, which has disrupted key tourism services, is dealing a severe blow to the local economy. Communities and businesses in provinces heavily reliant on tourist spending at restaurants, gas stations, and other services will face significant revenue losses. This impact is further exacerbated by the fact that many travel companies and hospitality workers have already been struggling due to the decline in Canadian tourism since President Trump returned to the White House.
Against this backdrop, some states have had to use their own funds to keep popular parks open. In the fall of 2023, Utah announced it would keep five of its top national parks open, and Colorado also confirmed the reopening of four national parks, demonstrating local government efforts to minimize damage to the tourism industry.
However, amidst the disruption to many activities, some essential services remain operational. Amtrak ships, operating as an independent agency, have affirmed their continued normal operations throughout the United States. In particular, the U.S. State Department has pledged that consular services, both domestically and internationally, including passport and visa issuance, will not be interrupted. This is because revenue from these services allows the State Department to sustain itself independently of annual congressional funding, providing reassurance to those seeking visas or consular services.
