ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The Visit Albuquerque (Visit Albuquerque) is holding its annual luncheon May 12th to celebrate all that the tourism industry does for Albuquerque. The luncheon will take place from 11am-1:30pm at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

Approximately 400 industry professionals will come together at the luncheon to recognize the importance of travel in our community, to review Visit Albuquerque accomplishments during the past year and to look ahead to the future of hospitality and tourism in Albuquerque. Mayor Berry will also provide his insight on the topic.

The luncheon takes place during National Travel & Tourism Week, an annual event sponsored by the U.S. Travel Association to increase awareness of the industry’s impact on local communities.

Travel and tourism in Albuquerque:

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

·        Brings approximately 3.6 million visitors to Albuquerque each year

·        Produces over $30.7 million in local taxes annually

·        Employs approximately 23,000 people in Albuquerque

·        Meetings generate more than $66 million in direct spending

The ACE training graduates and their supporting employers have been selected as the 2010 Unsung Heroes of Tourism and will be recognized during the event. The Albuquerque Concierge Excellence (ACE) program is designed to educate and inform employees in the hospitality and tourism industry about Albuquerque, and provide them with the tools necessary to give the best possible service to guests. This year’s class of Unsung Heroes of Tourism marks the 10th annual recognition, which honors a local community group that has made significant contributions to the city’s tourism industry.

In addition, the industry will recognize the 15th annual class of local ambassadors, which is made up of six individuals who have helped recruit meetings to Albuquerque. These meetings and conventions will collectively bring in more than $2.5 million in direct spending to the city.