While the world is focused on the drama of Barack Obama’s nomination as the Democratic candidate for president, there is furious lobbying and political business going on everyday away from the lenses of TV cameras and out of earshot of pundits discussing unity and polling data. Travel is a big part of this lobbying effort.
The backrooms, luxury suites and convention floor have their share of folk who are using this opportunity to bend the ears of lawmakers and staffers who may be shaping future legislation. Here are three instances of travel organizations that are right in the mix.
Air Traffic Control
With amazing timing, Roger Dow, the president and chief executive officer of the Travel Industry Association was on the convention floor right after the FAA communication switching center failure that led to thousands of delayed flights. He was making the point that the air traffic control system is “antiquated” and that we need a “true world-class system.”
Dow was in Denver for the Democratic National Convention, pushing the presidential candidates to address air travel delays that have irked passengers over the past several months. He said that the system failure was putting a crimp in his plans. “We’re already getting calls from people who aren’t making it to the convention.”
Riding the rails
Amtrak is overjoyed at the nomination of Joe Biden as the vice-presidential candidate. He is a longtime friend of the railroad company and commutes using Amtrak between Delaware and Washington, DC. His close connection can only help Amtrak with its funding battles within the halls of the Capitol.
Amtrak, which relies heavily on the largess of lawmakers, was somewhat restrained in its reaction to Biden’s selection. But a spokesman acknowledged that, if Democrats win in November, the train service could have a friend in the White House.
“Senator Biden is a longtime enthusiastic supporter of Amtrak and a regular passenger, riding frequently between his home in Delaware and his office in Washington,” said Cliff Black. “We would expect Senator Biden to continue his support if elected vice president.”
On the ski resort slopes
The Aspen Skiing Co., Vail Resorts and Colorado Ski Country are all corporate sponsors of the convention. Vail Resorts has been more aggressive than any resort in recent memory in Denver at the convention.
The Vail camp gave $500,000 to the Democratic Convention Host Committee, and its logo is featured prominently on the clear plastic lanyards that carry credentials for 35,000 convention attendees, many of them in the media. The Vail company also sponsored Saturday night’s party for media representatives at the Elitch Gardens amusement park, and contributed a walk-in 12-foot snow globe. They’ve been providing scenic Colorado footage to television crews as well.
Aspen is running a “well-stocked” luxury suite with signs plastered all over concessions at the convention plus their CEO Mike Kaplan participated in a roundtable discussion on climate change. Unbeknown to many, The Aspen managing partner Jim Crown is the finance co-chair for presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama’s campaign in Illinois. I imagine that will give him some lobbying heft.
Other travel organizations from unions to management organizations and hotels to restaurateurs are all involved in some way shape or form. Expect a similar travel push at the Republican shindig as well.
