As the U.S. government shutdown entered a third week, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby warned the impasse could hurt bookings if it continues.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Travel Association's real-time cost tracker indicates that the shutdown has so far cost the travel economy more than $2.3 billion.
Kirby said during United's Q3 earnings call on Oct. 16 that the shutdown has not yet had an impact on earnings, but that could change when "people start to lose confidence in the government and the government's ability to resolve this. ... Every day that goes by, the risk to the U.S. economy grows. So I hope we will avoid an unforced error here."
D.C.'s tourism message: We're open
Destination D.C., meanwhile, released a statement emphasizing that the city is still very much open, despite government-run attractions such as national museums, the U.S. Capitol visitor center and the Washington Monument being closed. Many parks and memorials on the National Mall are still open to the public, as are privately funded museums and other attractions.
"We understand that when the federal government shuts down, some visitors may assume D.C. does too, but that's far from the truth," said Elliott Ferguson, CEO of Destination D.C. "While some federally funded attractions are impacted, more than 50 privately funded museums are unaffected. Our city's incredible restaurants, hotels, theaters, sports venues, tours, parks and attractions are open and ready to welcome guests."
The blame game
The Trump administration has used airports and government-run websites to broadcast partisan messages blaming Democrats for the shutdown.
Many airports are refusing to play a video with a message from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in which she blames Democrats for the shutdown and its impact on TSA operations. Such messages could be in violation of the 1939 Hatch Act, which restricts certain political activities by federal employees.
Visitors to the National Forest websites, such as Tonto in Arizona and Custer Gallatin in Wyoming, will see a note that says: "The Radical Left Democrats shut down the government. This government website will be updated periodically during the funding lapse for mission critical functions. President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people."