ALBUQUERQUE, NM – A trip to the “ Duke City” is a great value according to two recent rankings. Albuquerque has been named the sixth best overall value for visitors according to the Hotwire® Travel Value Index and SmarterTravel.com has selected Albuquerque as one of the top six travel destinations to keep on your radar for 2006.
 
The Hotwire® Travel Value Index is a first-of-its-kind resource that identifies which U.S. places offer the greatest overall value to visitors based on three major categories: discounts offered to travelers, low published-rate prices and presence of affordable entertainment and outdoor attractions. The Hotwire® Travel Value Index evaluated 50 U.S. markets to see which offer the best savings and overall value year-round on air, lodging and rental car.
 
The rankings for SmarterTravel.com were based on cultural events, political changes, increased popularity as well as recent rebuilding. Also making the list as reported on USATODAY.com were China, Thailand, Croatia, The Netherlands and Turkey. Special attention was paid to Albuquerque’s annual International Balloon Fiesta and the upcoming Tricentennial events. Albuquerque was also chosen based on affordability as well as easy accessibility by most major airlines.
 
“We are thrilled to receive accolades from Hotwire, SmarterTravel.com and recognition in USATODAY.com as a great unique and vibrant travel destination that provides a great value to our visitors,” said Dale Lockett, President/CEO of the Visit Albuquerque. “There are some very exciting things happening in Albuquerque’s tourism industry and it is great to see them recognized. We hope that this recognition will continue to increase the visibility of Albuquerque as a visitor and convention destination.”
 
To view the entire story on USATODAY.com, visit http://www.usatoday.com/travel/deals/inside/2006-01-10-inside-the-deals_x.htm. To view the Hotwire press release, visit http://www.itsatrip.org/media/06_1hotwire/and for more information on the Hotwire® Travel Value Index, visit http://www.hotwire.com/destination/travel-value-index.jsp .