Washington D.C.’s tourism sector is taking a significant hit as the federal government shutdown extends into its fifth week, with hotel occupancy rates tumbling and popular museums and national attractions shuttered.

According to industry data, revenue per available hotel room in October dropped by nearly nine percent compared with a year earlier—a rate more than three times the average decline among the nation’s major markets.

One tour operator reported a 75 percent drop in weekly business, citing cancellations and a dramatic reduction in international visitors.

Major federally funded institutions—including key museums operated by the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo and the Library of Congress—remain closed, affecting the capital’s core visitor draws.

Local leaders and business owners say that not only are tourists staying away, but residents are also cutting back on dining and travel because of the broader economic uncertainty.

While city-led agencies such as Destination DC are emphasising that many private museums, open-air monuments and restaurants remain operational, the tourism rebound normally seen during the holiday season appears to be weakening.

The U.S. travel-industry group estimates the shutdown could cost the sector approximately one billion dollars a week in lost spending.

The downturn comes at a time when D.C. was projected to welcome more than 27 million visitors in 2024 and generate 11.4 billion dollars in visitor spending—figures now at risk as leisure, conference and international travel all slow.

With the shutdown showing no immediate resolution, hotel operators and tour companies are preparing for an extended period of weakness through year-end.