VISIT ALBUQUERQUE BACKGROUND
Visit Albuquerque was established in 1980 as the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau, a private, not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization. The City of Albuquerque awarded the Bureau its contract for convention and tourism promotion as a joint public and private effort. In 2016, the Bureau determined it would do business under the name of Visit Albuquerque to reflect its mission and role in attracting visitors to the city.
The success of Visit Albuquerque requires the combined efforts of the entire organization and its membership, comprised of more than 600 Partners in the hospitality industry. Partners include hotels, restaurants, attractions and other representatives of the community. The Partners elect an 18-member Board of Directors. From the Board, an Executive Committee of eight members works with the President, who is also the Chief Executive Officer, to assure that the organization’s professional staff carries out policies set by the Board of Directors. Additionally, the Executive Committee appoints other committees and task forces to work in an advisory capacity to guide the organization.
Visit Albuquerque is funded with both public and private dollars. Public funds include a portion of lodgers’ tax revenue and hospitality fee revenue collected by the City of Albuquerque. Private funds include revenue generated by the Albuquerque Tourism Marketing District (ATMD) and by dues, advertising sales, sponsorships and in-kind donations from Partners. The lodgers’ tax rate and hospitality fee in Albuquerque are 5% and 1%, respectively, of the room rate at local lodging establishments and is paid by overnight guests. The ATMD was established by the City Council at the request of lodging properties located within the district boundaries. Guests who stay overnight at properties within the district pay a 2% ATMD fee that is managed by Visit Albuquerque to expand marketing of the city, enhance visitor services and develop destination assets.
In Albuquerque, visitors experience the authentic Southwest. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Albuquerque boasts a unique multicultural history and heritage. Native American, Hispanic and Latino, Anglo and other cultural influences are a part of everyday life. Traditional New Mexican restaurants, thousands of unique shops and galleries, renowned festivals and events, world-class visual and performing arts, and abundant outdoor recreation are just a few of the reasons Albuquerque is special. Nowhere is the confluence of past and present more dramatic than here in Albuquerque, where the modern city skyline is set against a backdrop of the stunning Sandia Mountains and an endless, timeless blue sky.
Meetings, conventions and sports events are drawn to Albuquerque for many of the same reasons as leisure travelers – the city’s weather, diverse culture, authentic cuisine, attractions and scenic beauty. In addition, meeting and event planners look at factors such as facilities, affordability, air access, local support and incentives.
Visit Albuquerque is proud to promote travel and tourism to our city. Tourism is an economic engine for Albuquerque and one of New Mexico's largest private sector industries. Each year, more than 6.7 million visitors to Albuquerque spend over $2 billion annually on lodging, transportation, dining, entertainment and attractions, which supports the livelihoods of approximately 45,000 local workers and generates an estimated $268 million in state and local taxes. Beyond the economic impact, visitors also enhance the quality of life for Albuquerque residents by supporting events, attractions and amenities that locals enjoy alongside travelers.
