ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The Visit Albuquerque (Visit Albuquerque) has taken its 20th annual fundraising auction online again this year. The auction will be held in conjunction with Visit Albuquerque’s 30th annual luncheon with bidding open now through 8 p.m. MDT on Wednesday, May 11, 2011.

This year’s auction features more than $50,000 in donated items ranging from exciting getaways to jewelry, photography, advertising, services and more. Bid on an Amtrak trip to Los Angeles, a golf vacation in Rio Rico, Arizona, or be a tourist in your own town with a package including a variety of area attractions, hotel stays, meals, and more.

Take this opportunity to find great deals for family and friends planning a visit this summer. To view all available items and to place a bid, visit www.ItsATrip.org/auction.

This is the second year Visit Albuquerque has conducted the auction in an online format. Last year, it was identified that the auction resulted not only in fundraising success, but also generated greater destination awareness of Albuquerque.

“The online auction format broadens the reach of people who can contribute to stimulating Albuquerque’s economy. This provides an opportunity for more people to bid on an array of items and experience getaways here in Albuquerque,” said Dale Lockett, President/CEO of the Visit Albuquerque.

Money raised from the auction will support Visit Albuquerque in 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 auction possible.

Online posts of this opportunity and the auction website at www.ItsATrip.org/auction are appreciated to encourage bidding before 5/11/11.

###