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HELLO, VISIT ALBUQUERQUE PARTNERS 

As we get ready to bid farewell to the summer season, we are excited to share with you our achievements from the past year and our goals for the next at our upcoming Annual Luncheon on August 29. We hope to see you there as we celebrate continued success in tourism for Albuquerque and discuss future plans. The industry couldn’t have made these great advancements without all of you, our partners. 
 
As you’ll see in this issue of the Industry Insider, we’ve had another busy month here at Visit Albuquerque – from educational conferences and trainings to new online updates, we’ve been hard at work to better the tourism industry here in Albuquerque. We’re also thrilled to announce the hiring of our newest Vice President, Ceela McElveny, who we proudly welcome aboard with a wealth of experience. 
 
Although maybe hard to believe, the fall season is right around the corner, and that means significant opportunities for our partners like you. Take some time to send us your news – we’re promoting Balloon Fiesta packages, working on the 2020 Official Albuquerque Visitors Guide, and are always looking for new and fresh ways to promote travel to our city. 
 
As always, thank you for your continued partnership.   

Tania Armenta
President & CEO
Visit Albuquerque 


Partner Events

 
Partner Orientation

We encourage you to attend our upcoming Partner Orientation where the staff of the Visit Albuquerque Development Department will guide you through our website and provide you with valuable information on how to take advantage of the many benefits you receive with your partnership. Orientation is a valuable tool for new partners and a great refresher for long-time partners. Although complimentary, you must register in advance as space is limited. Please call 505-222-4307 or email PartnerEvents@VisitABQ.org

Orientations take place the third Wednesday of the month. The next two orientations will be held:

Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Visit Albuquerque Office
20 First Plaza NW, Suite 601
9:30 am - 11:00 am

Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Visit Albuquerque Office
20 First Plaza NW, Suite 601
9:30 am - 11:00 am
 

ACE

New to Albuquerque or the hospitality industry? Or maybe you are simply looking to enhance your customer service skills. If so, join our ACE class! ACE is a 3 1/2-hour course that explores things to do and see in the Albuquerque area as well as the dos and don'ts of customer service. Cost is $25 per student. Contact Trish at 505-908-8178 or email TKHTrainingabq@gmail.com to register. 

If you are interested in hosting a private class for your business, contact Trish for the details.

The next two ACE opportunities are:  

Thursday, August 22, 2019
9:00 am - 12:30 pm 
National Hispanic Cultural Center 
1701 4th St. SW
Registration Begins: 8:45 am/Class Begins: 9:00 am

Tuesday, September 17, 2019
9:00 am - 12:30 pm 
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Albuquerque, in the Coral III Ballroom
201 Marquette Ave. NW
Registration Begins: 8:45 am/Class Begins: 9:00 am
 

Last Chance to Register for Visit ABQ’s 2019 Annual Meeting Luncheon 

Register now for this year's Annual Luncheon! Come celebrate the industry's progress and hear from key leaders about future developments. We hope to see you there!

Register Here: visitabq.org/annual

Thursday, August 29, 2019
Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque 
1000 Woodward Pl. NE
11:30 am - 1:30 pm

 

News

Visit Albuquerque Welcomes New Vice President

Visit Albuquerque is excited to announce the hiring of Ceela McElveny as the organization’s newest Vice President, overseeing marketing, community relations, and operations.
 
In her role, Ceela directs and manages activities related to the areas of marketing, advertising, public and media relations, social media, website development, advocacy, partnership efforts, operations and private revenue development.
 
“We are thrilled to have Ceela join the Visit Albuquerque team as she comes to the organization with a wealth of experience, diverse skillset and history of proven performance,” said Tania Armenta, President & CEO of Visit Albuquerque. “With more than 20 years of combined experience in a variety of areas, Ceela’s knowledge and strong leadership will position us to achieve even greater success for Albuquerque.”
 
“I’ve joined a great team that is dedicated to introducing our city to visitors and driving tourism revenue into Albuquerque’s economy,” said Ceela. “I am looking forward to promoting Albuquerque as a premier destination in the Southwest and building partnerships with the local community.”
 
Ceela comes to Visit Albuquerque most recently from Albuquerque Economic Development Inc., where she held the position of Vice President of Operations since 2015. Prior to that, she served as Chief Communications and Membership Officer for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, a national health care association headquartered in Albuquerque.

Ceela is eager and happy to be working with all of Visit Albuquerque’s invaluable partners. She can be reached at mcelveny@visitabq.org.

 

Ceela McElveny New

 

 

TEXAS PREMIER COACHES OPEN HOUSE HOSTED AT ALBUQUERQUE REGIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX

The New Balance Texas Premier National West Championships kicked off July 16 with a family open house at the Albuquerque Regional Sports Complex. Albuquerque was thrilled to be the host to this first-time baseball tournament and welcomed over 60 teams in the 16 and 17U age group! Angie Jepsen of the Albuquerque Sports Commission welcomed more than 100 coaches at the July Coaches Meeting where the President of Texas Premier spoke very highly of Albuquerque, the ABQ Regional Sports Complex and the Albuquerque Sports Commission teams.

TX Premier Campionships

Visit ABQ at Destinations International 

A delegation from Visit Albuquerque attended Destinations International’s 2019 Annual Convention last month, where they were able to learn from, network, and connect with forward-thinking, innovative colleagues from throughout the tourism industry. Bringing back new ideas, new initiatives and new connections, the Visit ABQ team is eager to put their learnings to use here in the community.  

During the convention, Visit Albuquerque’s Vice President of Sales, Services & Sports, Kristin McGrath, co-presented a six-hour class called Fundamentals of Destination Organizations. The class offered an overview for participants who are relatively new to the DMO world, catering to professionals with 1-3 years’ experience. 

Visit Albuquerque’s Interactive & Graphic Designer, Brittney Flores, was named one of Destination International’s 2019 30 Under 30, a program that invests in the future generation of destination experts. Brittney was honored at the 2019 Annual Convention and will be able to take advantage of valuable industry opportunities throughout the year. 
 

Destinations International 2019

New Media Library on VisitABQ.org

Visit Albuquerque has implemented a new, more user-friendly media library on the Visit ABQ website. Finding, requesting and downloading images of Albuquerque for promotion of the city as a destination is easier than ever before.

Visit VisitABQ.org/Media/Industry-Gallery/, for simple instructions and to access the media gallery. 

Don’t see your images of your business or attraction included in the media gallery? It’s easy to upload your own images too. To upload images you’d like the media, industry partners and other sources to use publicly with photographer credit, just click here

 

Media Hub

 

Visit ABQ at ASAE Annual Meeting 

Kristin McGrath, Visit Albuquerque Vice President of Sales, Services & Sports, and Larry Atchison, Visit Albuquerque Associate Director of Sales, were joined by Ben Hogge, Hyatt Regency Albuquerque Sales & Marketing Manager. The Albuquerque booth had over 100 visits from past, current and potential clients.

Additionally Visit ABQ co-hosted a client breakfast with the Visit Madison (WI) and the Providence (RI) CVBs where the delegation was able to spend quality time with 20 potential customers.
 

ASAE Annual Meeting

 

Vote for Albuquerque as USL Championship’s Favorite City to Visit

The United Soccer League (USL) Championships has narrowed down a list of USL Championship cities considered the best to visit by travel sites, as well as some of the League’s favorites from their excursions around the league over recent years. Albuquerque is in the lead, and we want to keep it that way! Vote now for Albuquerque as the best USL city to visit: https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1042312.

 

NM United Opening Game

 

Vote for the National Senior Games in Albuquerque for the 2019 SportsTravel Awards 

The National Senior Games in Albuquerque brought in record numbers of athletes and spectators. Now, the Games are up for the 2019 SportsTravel Award for Best Amateur Sports Event of the Year. Vote now: https://sta19.questionpro.com/ 

 

National Senior Games Highlight Video

 

Visit ABQ Summer Sweepstakes Giveaways

In our work to promote Albuquerque as a world-class arts and culture destination, Visit ABQ recently wrapped up another sweepstakes vacation giveaway and has begun another sweepstakes contest, all made possible in collaboration with many of our partners. The Albuquerque Art Showcase Sweepstakes, centered around the 2019 ABQ Art Showcase event, wrapped up at the end of July. Kathleen S. from Phoenix won the arts- and culture-themed Albuquerque getaway. She traveled with a friend and enjoyed a beautiful August weekend in Albuquerque.

Click here to see all that the Art Showcase Sweeps package included. 

Visit Albuquerque recently kicked off another sweepstakes vacation giveaway contest, centered around SOMOS ABQ and made possible by many partners.  

Click here to see what the SOMOS ABQ Sweeps package will include, and to share this contest with out-of-town family and friends.

 

SOMOS 2018

New Restaurants Announced for Sawmill Market

The Sawmill Market has announced a list of restaurant tenants that will open in the food hall early next year. Included in the selection of local restaurants will be Tulipani Pasta, Naruto Ramen, Cacho’s Bistro, HAWT Pizza Co. and Paxton’s, a new taproom. 

According to the Albuquerque Business First, Heritage Hotels & Resorts Inc. CEO and founder Jim Long, who is leading the development of Sawmill Market, said the goal for the space was to create a curated food environment. He said it's no coincidence the restaurant tenants are all local restaurateurs and entrepreneurs.

Sawmill

 

Partner Opportunities

 

Featured Partner Benefit: Partner List/Labels

As a Partner with Visit Albuquerque, you may request a complimentary Partner list. The list contains business name, contact name, mailing address and phone number of all active Visit Albuquerque Partners. You can use this list to work with your fellow Partners on upcoming events, projects or promotions that you may be organizing.
 
We can also provide you with a set of Partner labels if you are planning to send a large mailing. The cost of the labels is $35.
 
To request a Partner list or set of labels, please contact Novella Trujillo at 505-222-4307 or novella@visitabq.org.  Please allow 24 hours for your request to be processed.
 

Advertise in the 2020 Albuquerque Official Visitors Guide

The Official Albuquerque Visitors Guide is designed to inspire people who are planning to visit our beautiful city as well as those who have already made the trip and are looking for ideas about where to eat, shop and spend their time while they are here. 

With 250,000 copies printed annually, these guides are distributed through mail to those who request a copy, as well as at local businesses and Visitor Information Centers. The guide also is distributed at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and an interactive version of the guide is posted on the Visit Albuquerque website.

Being included in the Visitors Guide increases your exposure to the millions of visitors who travel to Albuquerque annually!
Did you know -- A recent survey conducted by Destination Analysts confirmed that:

  • Almost 89% of potential visitors who received an Official Albuquerque Visitors Guide said it helped them make the decision to travel to Albuquerque!
  • Nearly 67% said that they increased their stay 1.3 days after receiving the Visitors Guide!

Partners in most business categories receive a listing in the Visitors Guide as a benefit of the partnership. Partners are also entitled to a yearly allotment of Visitors Guides. If you run out of guides throughout the year, call 505-222-4307 and schedule an appointment to pick up more.

Ad Sales:  If you are interested in advertising in this annual publication, contact Mary Brown, 505-222-4310 or advertise@visitabq.org

Advertising Booklet

Visitors Guide Rate Card 

 
Complete your Listing Update Form for the 2020 Albuquerque Official Visitors Guide 

Visitors Guide Listing Update Forms for the 2020 guide will be mailed Friday, August 23, to partners that qualify. Please watch your U.S. Mail next week for a large white envelope with a red label indicating the contents. Instructions for completing your listing details will be included. Contact Janice Pomeroy at Pomeroy@VisitABQ.org if you have any questions. The deadline to return forms is September 13, 2019.

 
Send Us Your Balloon Fiesta Packages and Deals

We want to include you in our upcoming Balloon Fiesta promotional efforts. If you are offering a Balloon Fiesta/Fall package or deal, we want to know about it and share it! Packages and deals created around an event or a season are a great way to encourage visitors to your business. And Balloon Fiesta and the surrounding fall events create a great opportunity to do just that.

Submit a package or a coupon to have your offer promoted on our webpage, which is highly ranked on search engines and receives an average of 140,000 unique visitors per month.

 
Tell Us What’s New

Here at Visit Albuquerque, we’re always developing new marketing initiatives and we want to talk about you! With fall just around the corner, we’re collecting as much information as possible so we can share what’s new in Albuquerque this season and the rest of 2019.
 
Do you have an upcoming anniversary? Did you just remodel? New name? New tour? New feature? New photos or videos? New concept? New specialty dish? Have you moved, or are you about to? Grand opening? Send anything and everything to Media@VisitABQ.org.

 

Promote Your Attraction or Destination for Free with NMTD at the 2019 Balloon Fiesta

Sign up to participate in the New Mexico Tourism Department’s (NMTD) Main Street booth at the 2019 Balloon Fiesta. Register for this free opportunity to promote your business with NMTD staff and industry colleagues for one or two shifts during the nine-day event. Click here to register.

 

Participate in a Destination Development Roadmap Listening Session in Rio Rancho

The New Mexico Tourism Department is launching a year-long project that will help communities capitalize on the growth of the tourism industry in a sustainable way. By the end of this project, New Mexico will have a comprehensive statewide strategic plan for destination development, capacity-building, funding mechanisms and resource allocation. According to NMTD, local communities will be empowered to champion tourism economic development strategies including cultural and outdoor recreation growth opportunities while partnering with the Tourism Department. The Destination Development Roadmap will also help communities build out new tourism experiences that target identified opportunities for growth.

Participate in the Listening Session taking place in Rio Rancho:
September 18, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Hilton Garden Inn, Sandia Ballroom
1771 Rio Rancho Blvd. SE, NM 87124

Click here to register.

 

Promote & Share

 

ABQ in the News

Check out VisitABQ.org/GoodNews for this season's biggest stories about ABQ.

» Travel + Leisure - 5 Places to Have Your Next Family Reunion

» 5280 Traveler - How to ABQ

» Red Tricycle - Things to Do with Kids in Albuquerque

» Smithsonian - Eight Spots in the United States Where You Can See Petroglyphs

» Budget Travel - See the Incredible Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

 

Partner Kudos

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO Joani Jones and AUDREY JOHNSON ON RECEIVING WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDs FROM THE ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL

Audrey Johnson, Visit Albuquerque Director of Marketing, and Joani Jones, Crowne Plaza Albuquerque Director of Sales and Marketing, were both recognized in the Albuquerque Journal Business Outlook’s Celebrating New Mexico Women in Business issue, as Businesswomen in Hospitality & Tourism. We are proud to have Audrey and Joani in Albuquerque's tourism industry!

 

 Congratulations to Albuquerque Restaurants Named Best Restaurants for Wine Lovers by Wine Spectator

In its national list for Best Restaurants for Wine Lovers, Wine Spectator named Visit ABQ partners Artichoke Cafe, MÁS Tapas Y Vino, and Rancher’s Club of New Mexico, among other Albuquerque restaurants, as some of the best restaurants in the country for wine connoisseurs. See the full list of restaurants here.

 

Congratulations to ABQ Trolley Co. on TripAdvisor Hall of Fame

Congratulations to ABQ Trolley Co. on receiving the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years, landing the company a spot in TripAdvisor’s 2019 Hall of Fame!

 

Featured Partner

Casa Flamenca Summer Season Continues with Tablao-style Flamenco Shows Featuring Artists from Spain

Visit Spain in Albuquerque! Casa Flamenca presents flamenco shows featuring world class artists from Spain. Held in an intimate performance space, these shows are suitable for the entire family.

Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 6 pm. 401 Rio Grande Boulevard NW, 87104. Tickets $30 at www.casaflamenca.org.

Casa Flamenca Featured Partner

 

Resources