Industry Insider

Pick Up Bulk Copies of New ABQ Visitors Guide on Sept. 17, 20 or 21

We are excited to announce the arrival of our new Official Albuquerque Visitors Guide, just in time to welcome guests arriving in the city for Balloon Fiesta! The 76-page guide offers ideas about things to do and see in our beautiful city. As a benefit of your Partnership with Visit Albuquerque, you are entitled to a supply of Visitors Guides for display and distribution at your business. Make sure you have a fresh supply of guides at your front desk, in your guest rooms, at your cash register, in your brochure racks and in your waiting areas. You may pick up bulk supplies of Visitors Guides at the Loading Dock of our downtown building from 9:00 am to 4 pm on Friday, Sept. 17; Monday, Sept. 20; or Tuesday, Sept. 21. Click here for a map to our loading dock and additional information.

New Mexico Reinstates Indoor Mask Mandate 

On Aug. 17, 2021, the state of New Mexico issued a new public health order that requires individuals to wear face masks in indoor public spaces, except while eating or drinking. The requirement is designed to combat rising rates of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in the state and across the nation, according to Acting Department of Health Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D.
 
The indoor mask requirement went into effect on Friday, Aug. 20, and applies to all individuals who are aged 2 and older, regardless of their vaccination status. Previously, only unvaccinated individuals were required to wear face masks in indoor public spaces. The mask mandate will remain in effect until at least Sept. 15.

Albuquerque Hosts Successful 2021 USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships

Nearly 600 athletes from 41 states participated in the USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships on Aug. 5-8 in Albuquerque. Four New Mexicans took home titles and it is estimated that the event resulted in over $883,000 in direct visitor spending. In May, the City of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Sports Commission announced that Albuquerque will host the USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships again in 2022. Read the full press release here or watch the video recap here. 

Visit Albuquerque Attends Connect Marketplace 

From Aug. 31-Sept. 1, Senior National Sales Managers Misty Jester and Clarissa Baca will represent Visit Albuquerque at Connect Marketplace in Tampa, Fla. They will attend education sessions, host a networking reception with approximately 30 future and current clients and each conduct approximately 45 face-to-face scheduled appointments. Sports Sales Manager Angela Gandy will also attend the event to represent the Albuquerque Sports Commission, a division of Visit Albuquerque. 

City Opens Applications for New Small Business Grant Program

On Aug. 4, Mayor Keller and the City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department (EDD) opened applications for the Small Business + Entrepreneurial Recovery Grant Program—a new economic relief grant program available to local small businesses and nonprofits. The $7.5 million program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The one-time $10,000 grants are available to businesses within Albuquerque city limits that have 50 employees or fewer and meet other grant criteria.
 
Less than a week after opening applications, city officials announced that the grant program had already received a large number of applicants in the Family-Owned Business, Entrepreneurial & Startup and Arts & Entertainment categories, and businesses in those categories would no longer be allowed to apply. Applications are currently still being accepted for Mainstreet Business Grants and Youth & Education Grants. Learn more here.

New Mexico Celebrated on Good Morning America

On July 30, Good Morning America highlighted New Mexico in its “Rise and Shine” morning series. The segment featured New Mexico gems like Route 66, Sandia Peak Aerial Tram, the unique cuisine and a number of spots in Albuquerque. The segment followed well-known news anchor John Quiñones as he connected with locals who’ve been impacted by the pandemic and have found ways to persevere. Watch the video here. 

Visit Albuquerque PR & Communications Manager Named an Albuquerque Business First 40 Under 40 Honoree  

Visit Albuquerque’s PR and Communications Manager, Brenna Moore, was recently announced as an honoree in Albuquerque Business First’s 40 Under Forty Awards. Brenna works with travel writers from top regional and national media outlets to keep Albuquerque top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. She promotes the city by pitching story ideas, serving as a spokesperson, arranging media visits, finding local sources for interviews, writing news releases and responding to media requests.  When not working with our Partners and coordinating itineraries for visiting writers, Brenna serves as a board member and past president of the New Mexico chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. We’re proud to have her as a member of our team. 

Providing Excellent Customer Service in Challenging Situations

Customer demand is strong and people are eager to plan overnight vacations, eat out, attend events and visit attractions. That’s great news for the hospitality industry, where our top goal is to create a welcoming environment and ensure a pleasant experience for our customers and guests. However, the staffing shortages affecting the industry are straining resources at many businesses. Some customers expect everything to operate exactly the way they remember it, back before the pandemic, and they are surprised when they have to wait a bit longer for their meal or are asked to make reservations or buy tickets in advance. Visit Albuquerque has developed a 13-minute training video with tips to help your newest employees communicate effectively with customers, set expectations and gain customers’ support and empathy. Share the video with your new hires to help give them the skills to develop rapport with customers, especially during challenging situations. Access the video here. 

Unbelievable Pass

Calling local brewery, entertainment and restaurant businesses to participate in a digital passport program developed to help local businesses with no cost to participate. The Unbelievable Pass will be the premier deals pass for Albuquerque and the perfect cure for cabin fever.

Email support@unbelievablepass.com for more information.