Even though essential travel functions like customs processing, Transportation Security Administration inspections and air traffic control are still functioning, the travel community is hurt by the mere perception that travel to and within the U.S. is uncertain. Dow says that risks destroying several years of gains in economic output and improvements in travel facilitation by the federal government. 

"Already you have countries like Germany telling their citizens to beware of problems and delays when traveling to the U.S.," Dow said. "With so much positive progress in place, our country doesn't need to take steps back in pursuit of welcoming millions of new international travelers. We urge leaders in Congress to realize that the longer this goes on, the worse the long-term implications will be for major portions of our economy." 

“Our guide and outfitter business has been doing nothing but finding ways to re-route tours and cancelling reservations all day because of the government shutdown. We are the oldest continuous concessionaire in these Parks and have been exploring these lands and bringing foreign and domestic visitors here since before the national parks were here. I cannot honor the contracts I entered with my guests because the government has now rendered them null and void." A tour company operator in Moab, Utah