Visit Albuquerque Participates in Cvent CONNECT

Along with over 3,500 meetings and events professionals, Visit Albuquerque participated in the Cvent CONNECT Conference July 23-26 in Las Vegas, NV.  Cvent CONNECT is the meeting industry’s premier event technology conference.  Kristin McGrath was a panelist for a breakout session titled, “The Future of the Hospitality Landscape” and during the tradeshow portion of the conference, Misty Jester and Kristin McGrath conducted 18 appointments with future or potential clients for Albuquerque.

Visit Albuquerque Attends ESTO

Visit Albuquerque attended the U.S. Travel Association’s Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) in Phoenix, Arizona August 11-14. ESTO is the only national forum where destination marketing professionals at all levels get critical tools, tips and information to help them better market and grow their destinations. Our team was able to take away valuable information about cutting-edge best practices and new tools, techniques and trends in the tourism industry.

Visit ABQ at the NM Tourism Commission Meeting

The Visit Albuquerque team attended and participated in the most recent New Mexico Tourism Commission meeting on August 9 at the Gutierrez-Hubbell House for a quarterly update on the department and the industry. Visit ABQ’s VP of Marketing, Emily Howard gave a welcome address and an update on Visit Albuquerque’s efforts and destination developments. During the meeting, attendees also learned more about the FY19 New Mexico True marketing plan and heard updates from the Albuquerque Sunport, NM Hospitality Association, the Central Region Marketing Board and many others.

How ABQ Makes Its Impression on Businesses and Visitors

A recent article in the Albuquerque Business First highlighted ideas and initiatives for how Albuquerque can attract visitors, businesses and a younger workforce, while also keeping talented workers in the city and in New Mexico. In the article, Visit ABQ President and CEO Tania Armenta addressed the need for first attracting visitors to Albuquerque, which then attracts relocation of businesses and a broader workforce.

According to the article, which detailed a panel presentation during a CREW luncheon (in which Tania participated), much of the discussion surrounded the priority of boosting the state's tourism reputation. In 2017, 35.4 million trips were taken throughout New Mexico.

Read the full article to hear more about what Tania had to say, along with Albuquerque Economic Development’s Annemarie Henton and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta’s Tyler Young during their panel discussion at the CREW luncheon.

What It Took for ABQ To Land a Top Spot on the Best Small City List

Albuquerque was recently ranked #3 on Resonance Consultancy’s list of America’s Best Cities. An article this month in PCMA Convene looks into what it takes to land a top spot on that list and what makes a small city vibrant enough to be considered one of the best. Ranking in the top 3 on this list is no easy task, as the firm collects and analyzes a wealth of data on each city focusing on 27 criteria. This criteria includes crime rates, entertainment offerings, cultural offerings and economic vitality, in addition to examining user-generated ratings and reviews (from sites like TripAdvisor). Read the full article here.

Upcoming NMTD Webisode: “How to Maximize Visitation with Hispanic Heritage”

Hispanic Heritage Month is right around the corner (September 15-October 15) and the New Mexico Tourism Department is hosting a webisode on Thursday, August 23 to address how destinations and tourism related businesses can maximize visitation with Hispanic Heritage. The NMTD is celebrating New Mexico’s rich and diverse cultural heritage with a PR campaign in their fly and drive markets, and they want to hear from you to highlight the Hispanic heritage assets you have to offer. Catch this webinar to learn more about how you can join in the Tourism Department’s efforts.

While our city’s diverse cultural heritage is a focus year-round here at Visit Albuquerque, we will also be celebrating our rich Hispanic heritage during Hispanic Heritage Month. Through online content, social media promotion and media outreach we’ll be ramping up our efforts to promote and share Hispanic culture throughout the city. Help us invite visitors to celebrate with us, and send your events, stories and news surrounding Hispanic heritage and the celebratory month to Media@VisitABQ.org.

Still Time to Participate in Mayor Keller’s One ABQ Challenge

Visit Albuquerque challenges you to take part in Mayor Tim Keller and First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller’s One ABQ Challenge! Mayor Keller challenges all of us in the Albuquerque community to step up and show what makes us “One ABQ.”

Visit Albuquerque encourages you to take on the challenge, and make time in August to engage in a community service project that connects youth and elders in our community and then challenge others to do the same.

Get involved and show us how you’re reflecting the city’s creativity, diversity and needs! Learn more about the challenge here.

Catch the Da Vinci Exhibit and Prado on the Plaza Before They’re Over

There are only a few more days to catch the Da Vinci Exhibit and Prado on the Plaza, both coming to an end at the end of August.

With its proven popularity, “Da Vinci - The Genius” at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science was extended through the end of August. The traveling exhibit has drawn more than 70,000 visitors since its February 10 opening.

Now displaying in Civic Plaza, Albuquerque is the Prado Exhibit's second stop in the United States. The Prado in Santa Fe drew more than 150,000 visitors and was listed as one of “The best museum exhibits in the U.S. this spring” in 2017 by USA Today.

The Prado Museum opened in 1819 and is Spain's main national art museum. It is widely considered to have one of the world's finest collections of European art, dating from the 12th century to the early 20th century.

Be sure to head to Civic Plaza and the Museum of Natural History and Science before the end of August to catch these limited-time events.

Proposed Timeline for Sandia Mountain Coaster

The Sandia Peak Ski Area has released their proposed timeline for the much anticipated Mountain Coaster project. After the Sandia Peak Master Development Plan was accepted by the Forest Service early this year, the Forest Service is now in a 3-8 month review process including review and assessment of environmental, economic, cultural, wildlife, biological, archeological, visual management, recreation opportunities and public comment. Project construction is proposed for the spring/summer season of 2019, with a proposed opening timeline of summer/fall 2019. Find out more about the project here.

New Business Finds Potential in ABQ’s Mid Century Modern Buildings

Thea Haver and Ethan Aronson, co-founders of Retrograde Tours (Modern Albuquerque LLC), are working to make an economic impact on the city with their new business, providing architectural tours around the Albuquerque’s still-standing, mid-century modern buildings. Walking tours start at $25 and offer different experiences. A tour called "Hairpin Legs" is an introduction to Albuquerque's mid-century modern architecture.                                                                       

"The first act of historic preservation is articulating the value to the community these structures have," Aronson said.

Media content and products such as self-guided maps and events are additionally being developed around the commercial mid-century modern buildings in the city according to a news release.

American Indian Tourism Conference Coming to Albuquerque

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) is hosting their 20th Annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC) at Isleta Resort & Casino September 17-20, bringing the conference back to the Albuquerque area 20 years after the conference's inception here. AITC is the only national conference on tourism dedicated to Native America. Visit Albuquerque will be in attendance and will be presenting an educational session on working with the media in travel and tourism. We hope to see you there! Find out more about the conference and register at www.aitc2018.com.