Alexandria, VA – The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the leading voice of the global business travel industry, today called on the United States Congress to take immediate action to reach an agreement on a federal budget and quickly end the government shutdown.
A prolonged shutdown would have far-reaching consequences for the business travel sector and the broader economy. It would significantly disrupt critical federal operations that underpin the travel infrastructure, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and passport and visa processing services. While essential personnel may continue working, they would do so without pay, leading to increased absenteeism, longer security lines, flight delays, and cancellations — all of which directly impact business travel.
This year U.S. business travel is anticipated to reach $395.4 billion, making it the top market in the $1.57 trillion global sector. And according to GBTA’s 2024 U.S. Economic Impact Study, business travel contributed nearly $421 billion annually in direct spending, supported 6 million jobs, and accounted for almost 2% of U.S. GDP and 3.5% of total employment. For every dollar spent on business travel, $1.15 is returned to the U.S. economy in net-new GDP, underscoring the sector’s vital role in driving growth and competitiveness.
Business travel is a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, and global collaboration. The government shutdown threatens to stall that momentum. We urge Congress to act swiftly and responsibly to pass a budget to re-open the U.S. government and keep our economy moving. Productive and essential business travel is threatened in times of economic uncertainty or in an environment of additional barriers and restrictions. Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA
GBTA calls on lawmakers to prioritize bipartisan cooperation and ensure the continuity of government services that support safe, efficient, and reliable travel. The association stands ready to work with policymakers to safeguard the interests of the business travel community and the millions of professionals it supports.
About GBTA
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world’s premiere business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area and serving stakeholders across six continents. GBTA and its 8,000+ members represent and advocate for the $1.48 trillion global travel business and meetings industry. GBTA and the GBTA Foundation deliver world-class education, events, research, advocacy and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. For more information visit gbta.org.
About the GBTA Foundation
The mission of the GBTA Foundation, the US 501c3 charitable arm of the Global Business Travel Association, is to help the global business travel industry create a positive impact and better future for people and the planet. The GBTA Foundation focuses on the strategy and execution of GBTA’s global sustainability programs, supporting initiatives related to climate action; diversity, equity and inclusion; and other talent-related topics via education, research and advocacy. For more information visit gbtafoundation.org.
Debbie Iannaci
GBTA Global Communications, PR & Research
+1 305 301 7057
GBTA
