ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The Visit Albuquerque (Visit Albuquerque) has taken its 19th annual fundraising auction online for the first time in the event’s history.  The auction will be held in conjunction with Visit Albuquerque’s 29th annual luncheon with bidding open now through 8 p.m. MDT on Friday, May 14, 2010.

This year’s auction features more than $50,000 in donated items ranging from exciting getaways to jewelry, theater, photography, advertising, services and more. Bid on an Amtrak trip to Los Angeles to catch the Dodgers at home or be a tourist in your own town with a package including tram and trolley tour tickets, hotel, meals and more. Take this opportunity to find great deals for family and friends planning a visit in the coming months. To view all available items and to place a bid, please visit www.ItsATrip.org/auction

Auction organizers anticipate that the switch to an online format will attract more bidders, resulting in a greater awareness of Albuquerque’s destination marketing efforts.

“The auction is jam-packed with great trips and items from our very generous partners. It provides a terrific array of trips to other destinations as well as quick getaways here in Albuquerque,” said Dale Lockett, President/CEO of the Visit Albuquerque.

Money raised from the auction will support Visit Albuquerque is its mission to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a visitor and convention destination. Tourism is the city’s second largest industry generating over $2 billion into the local economy each year. Special thanks go out to the many Visit Albuquerque partners who helped make this event possible.