What:              Albuquerque Convention Center Staff Honored as 2008 Unsung Heroes of Tourism

When:             Wednesday, May 14, 2008
                        Noon – 1:30pm
                        Presentations from City of Albuquerque staff, Albuquerque City Council, and Visit Albuquerque will be made at 
                        approximately 12:20pm

Where:            Albuquerque Convention Center, San Miguel Room

The Visit Albuquerque (Visit Albuquerque) is pleased to announce that the staff of the Albuquerque Convention Center, managed by SMG, has been selected as the 2008 Unsung Heroes of Tourism. The award will be presented by the Visit Albuquerque and the local hospitality industry in conjunction with the 25th annual National Tourism Week celebration. The hard working staff of the Albuquerque Convention Center consistently provides tremendous customer service and attention to detail, which contributes to a positive image of Albuquerque as a convention and meeting destination.

In 2008, the staff has worked some long hours for more than five months while hosting the US Bowling Congress (USBC). The USBC Open Championships take place in the east complex of the center from 7am – 2am every day of the week from February – July 2008. Hosting an event of this magnitude for this long time period is strenuous on the staff, but they continue to excel beyond expectations.

The 25th annual celebration of National Tourism Week is May 10-18, 2008. The initiative is led by the Tourism Industry Association of America. The annual “Unsung Heroes of Tourism” recognition by the Albuquerque tourism industry honors a local community group that has made significant contributions to the city’s tourism industry. The Convention Center staff, which is managed by SMG, will be recognized during a luncheon on Wednesday, May 14th at noon in the San Miguel Room at the Convention Center. Testimonials from clients and special mentions by the Albuquerque City Council, City of Albuquerque staff and Visit Albuquerque staff will be shared.

Local Impact of Tourism:

Albuquerque’s second largest private industry generating more than $2 billion annually.

Albuquerque is host to approximately five million visitors each year

The Albuquerque hospitality industry supports approximately 23,000 jobs
 

Past “Unsung Heroes of Tourism” include the local Solid Waste Management departments, Old Town merchants, Albuquerque museums, Balloon Fiesta volunteers, Downtown Action Team ambassadors, Albuquerque area hotel housekeepers, the Big I construction team and the Albuquerque International Sunport baggage handlers.