State Travel Combats Sequestration Effects

Budget cutbacks in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks leading to delays in plowing the roads in both parks, less staffing of seasonal rangers, and reduced hours in visitor centers to name a few of the consequences of the sequestration have tourism interests in the state concerned.  Of highest concern is that it may lead to misconceptions that attractions and activities are less available.  Wyoming Travel Commission Director Dianne Shober says efforts are currently under way by the state to make sure a positive message is being passed along.  Shober says her department has “a well-oiled machine” when it comes to crisis communication, which she says unfortunately has had to be used many times due to wildfires.  To begin with, she says her department has crafted a message that has gone out to all visitor centers and industry personnel across the state assuring them that when visitors call that Xantera and Grand Teton Lodge Company are opening as scheduled and the gateway communities are certainly open for business. Shober says the summer marketing is just getting under way and currently, the campaign does not include any mention of the sequestration. She says the department is not going out with a message right now, but if additional communication is needed, the department is poised to do so.  Right now, Shober says, “the big thing is making sure the industry within Wyoming is speaking with one voice and that we are responding to any inquiries that Wyoming is still open for business.”  Currently, Grand Teton National Park and Bridger Teton National Forest officials say they are seeking ways to absorb the cuts with the least impact to the public.