The barrage of canceled flights and restrictions resulting from Iceland’s volcanic eruption has cost the United States economy $650 million, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Roger Dow, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, says that the loss to the economy — averaging $130 million per day — illustrates how the world depends on travel for tourism and business, and demonstrates the importance of policymakers acting on facts and retaining a measured response to crises.

"While safety must always be the primary consideration, economies, particularly those recovering from recession, cannot afford an overreaction that stifles travel completely,” Dow says. “Our goal is to ensure appropriate responses are made by government leaders as this situation continues to evolve, and as other crises affecting travel present themselves in the future. We are also working with them to assure emergency plans are in place to minimize the impact on travelers if a similar crisis occurs in the United States."