• Hoteliers said they're bleeding cash because of the government shutdown. • A major hotel trade group said the industry has lost $650 million to date because of the shutdown. • It has become the second-longest shutdown in US history.

US hotel operators said they are losing millions of dollars because of the government shutdown ahead of their busiest season of the year.

In a Wednesday press release, the American Hotel and Lodging Association said that the shutdown has cost the hotel industry about $650 million to date and has had a "devastating impact" on the travel and hospitality sectors. Business Insider could not independently verify this figure.

"Economic uncertainty and waning consumer confidence are translating into booking cancellations and discouraging future planning, espe

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