Albuquerque, NM – The popular television series Breaking Bad is putting Albuquerque, New Mexico in the spotlight for travelers from around the world. Businesses in Albuquerque are recognizing this new audience and developing some creative products and experiences inspired by the show appeasing visitors looking for an “on-location” vacation.
The popularity for such tourism efforts results from the success of the Albuquerque-set and filmed television drama. In 2013, Breaking Bad was nominated for multiple Golden Globe awards including Best Drama Television Series, and Bryan Cranston – one of the show’s main characters – was awarded Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series.
Anticipation for the final eight episodes of the series – set to begin airing in the U.S. on August 11, 2013 – has driven destination interest from around the world, even in countries where Breaking Bad is not aired on network TV.
“We are reaching a new potential visitor audience that may not have considered Albuquerque for vacation in the past through shows like Breaking Bad. People want to come here and see the actual locations where the filming is taking place,” said Dale Lockett, President/CEO of the Visit Albuquerque.
Many Albuquerque business owners have taken advantage of the show’s popularity to create a variety Breaking Bad visitor offerings from trolley and bike tours of the locations to candies and bath salts.
Tours
The Visit Albuquerque (Visit Albuquerque) has compiled a self-guided map pinpointing popular filming locations along with nearby visitor locations and attractions at www.ItsATrip.org/BreakingBad.
Routes Bicycle Rentals & Tours announced that they will begin Biking Bad tours beginning in July 2013 for guests get a first-hand experience of moments from the series, key locations and characters.
The ABQ Trolley Co. offers a weekly 3.5-hour “Bad Tour” of filming locations from the show such as Walter White’s house, Tuco’s headquarters, Pollos Hermanos and more.
Products
The Candy Lady, an established candy maker in Old Town Albuquerque, offers Breaking Bad Candy selling for $1 per bag. She has received orders from around the world.
Great Face and Body, a local spa product manufacturer, created a line of bath salts called Bathing Bad, a spice line inspired by Los Pollos Hermanos, and they recently introduced a BrBa candy product as well.
With the final season airing this summer, stay tuned through the Albuquerque tourism website at www.ItsATrip.org/BreakingBad for new developments on Breaking Bad promotions happening in Albuquerque.