Industry Insider

February 2025

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Sales Updates
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Earlier this month, the City of Albuquerque, Visit Albuquerque and other partners officially kicked off a citywide celebration of the Route 66 centennial, a milestone that will be commemorated this year and next. We are excited to welcome visitors to Albuquerque to explore our authentic culture, scenic beauty and Southwestern charm. In this issue, you’ll find details about plans for the centennial, including the official Route 66 Albuquerque website that Visit Albuquerque developed to help visitors plan their Route 66 adventure.

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the lasting contributions of our city’s Black residents, from artists and athletes to educators and entrepreneurs. Throughout the month, we have highlighted the impact the Black community has had on our city. We invite you to explore Albuquerque’s rich Black culture and history and encourage you to support Black-owned businesses not just this month, but all year long.

Also in this issue of Industry Insider, you’ll find information about how to showcase your restaurant or hotel during Albuquerque Restaurant Week and learn about key funding opportunities available through various grants. There’s a lot happening to keep our city moving forward, and we appreciate your involvement and continued support.

Thank you for being a Visit Albuquerque Partner!

News

The City of Albuquerque and Visit Albuquerque Launch Route 66 Centennial Activations

The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture, Visit Albuquerque and programming partners recently unveiled plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the legendary Route 66. The celebrations will begin this year and continue throughout 2026. Visit Albuquerque created a Route 66 Centennial website, Route66ABQ.com. The site features a historic image slider with “Then and Now” perspectives, stories and an array of resources for locals and tourists to explore Albuquerque’s segment of Route 66 and events that will be taking place.

In addition, Ripe, Inc. designed a special Albuquerque Route 66 Centennial logo and branding materials. The firm is also developing commemorative merchandise. Santa Fe-based Refract Studio is developing an augmented-reality (AR) storytelling adventure at eight key locations along Albuquerque’s Route 66. In addition, local firm Jak + Flux is creating an interactive AR project that will explore public art installations along the route.

The Department of Arts & Culture is also developing a series of large-scale mural and interactive art installations along the Route in partnership with Meow Wolf, the nationally renowned immersive arts collective based in New Mexico. This initiative will bring together community artists and property owners to enhance Central Avenue with dynamic public art. In addition, the department is planning a series of special events on Route 66 this year and next to commemorate the centennial.

Visit Albuquerque will launch an integrated marketing campaign this spring to encourage visitors to plan a Route 66-themed trip to our city. The campaign will include paid advertising, media relations and outreach to travel tour operators.

Nominate an Exceptional Hospitality Worker to be Recognized

Visit Albuquerque will begin spotlighting local hospitality workers who have provided exceptional customer service. We are looking for hospitality workers who have gone above and beyond in the industry who go to great lengths to be the best ambassadors for Albuquerque they can possibly be. Fill out this form to nominate someone for recognition where you’ll be asked to briefly describe why this individual is exceptional.

2025 Visitors Guides Available for Partners

Visit Albuquerque began distributing copies of the 2025 Official Albuquerque Visitors Guide last month. The guide is being mailed to travelers and handed out at trade shows and events, and is available at visitor information centers operated by Visit Albuquerque and the New Mexico Tourism Department. Visitors Guides are also available to Partners to pick up. If you still need copies, Partners can pick up Visitors Guides at the Visit Albuquerque office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please email Alanna Allen at Allen@VisitABQ.org if you plan to pick up Visitors Guides so we can ensure they are ready for you.

Visit Albuquerque Leaders Attend Board Leadership Symposium

Visit Albuquerque Board Chair Ben Abruzzo, Chair-elect Mindy Jensen and President & CEO Tania Armenta recently attend the Board Leadership for Destinations Symposium. They joined 50 DMOs from across the US and Canada to engage in discussion and learning of best practices in play across North America for cutting-edge Destination Marketing Organization governance and leadership.

Mindy Jensen, Ben Abruzzo, and Tania Armenta at the 2025 Board Leadership for Destinations Conference Tania, Mindy and Ben at Dallas Love Field with a Visit Albuquerque ad

Attend an ACE Class to Improve Your Team’s Customer Service Skills and Knowledge of Albuquerque

Visit Albuquerque’s Albuquerque Community Experience (ACE) training program is designed to brush up your employees’ customer service skills and strengthen their knowledge about the city. Graduates of the program can answer guests’ questions about things to do and places to visit. The program also provides training on topics such as first impressions, effective communication and handling conflict. Graduates will receive a commemorative lapel pin and a certificate recognizing their completion of the program.

Don’t miss your chance to attend an upcoming class:

March 6, 2025
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Top Golf
1600 Desert Surf Circle, 87107

April 16, 2025
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Viva Vino NM Wine Studio in Plaza Don Luis
301 Romero St. NW, Suite 209, 87104

Congrats to the ACE graduates from the February 2025 class at Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Co.!

Graduates: Melissa Vincent, Hope Garcia, James Hertz, Cuberto Camargo, Mila Cordova and Ryan Sims from Crowne Plaza, Ruby Lopez, Jessica Jones, Ella Bitsue and Maddie Jim from The Querque Hotel, Emiliano Lefebre and Brenda Barnett from Sheraton Uptown, Wanda Jackson Lewis and Amanda Davy from Visit Albuquerque, Elizabeth Ponic and Jason Ponic from Ponic Photography, Grace Hausenfleck from New Mexico Piñon Coffee, Krystal Lopez Jen Hasbrouck, Anthony Lard, Greg Morrison, Troy Bradley, Kris Braden, Steven Mezzancello, Brad Rice, Brianna Jaramillo, Alfred Salazar, Kimberly Beaver, Joani Jones and Mike Heffron from Rainbow Ryders.

The cost is $25 per person for Partner businesses and $40 per person for non-Partners. Snacks will be provided along with water and coffee. To register, call Trish Hathoot at 505-908-8178 or send an email to TKHTrainingABQ@gmail.com.

Graduates will be recognized as Albuquerque Community Experience professionals and will receive a complimentary Community Experience pass that allows each of them and one guest to visit attractions throughout the Albuquerque area. The value of each ACE experience pass is more than $500!

Seating is limited, so register your employees now!

Showcase Your Restaurant During Albuquerque Restaurant Week

The New Mexico Restaurant Association is launching Albuquerque Restaurant Week April 4-13. Restaurants can sign up now to be part of the event. Participating restaurants will get lots of exposure and promotion, bringing in new diners. Hotels can submit “Stay and Eat” deals with their on-site restaurants to encourage guests to dine and stay overnight. Sign up to participate today to get the best deal.

Take a Survey on Workforce Needs

The New Mexico Department of Education is working to ensure graduates of the Career and Technical Education program are well-prepared for hospitality and tourism industry careers. To help prepare students to enter the workforce, the Department of Education wants to hear from employers about their needs and challenges. Take this 10-15 minute survey to share your thoughts.

Apply for a New Mexico Tourism Department Grant

Grant programs through the New Mexico Tourism Department are opening soon. Three main grants are available:

Clean and Beautiful Grant Program: The Tourism Department partners with communities to Keep New Mexico True by providing funding and technical assistance to municipalities, counties, Tribal Governments and units of government on litter eradication, waste reduction and community beautification initiatives.
- Applications open March 4-April 4, 2025
Destination Forward Grant Program: The Destination Forward Grant Program supports the development and implementation of tourism infrastructure projects throughout New Mexico.
- Applications open March 10-April 8, 2025
Tourism Event Growth & Sustainability Program: The Tourism Event Growth & Sustainability (TEGS) Program provides technical assistance, marketing and sponsorship to qualified tourism events within New Mexico to support their growth and sustainability.
- Applications open March 19-April 17, 2025

Visit Albuquerque Celebrates Destination Professionals Day

Visit Albuquerque celebrated Destination Professionals Day on Feb. 19. It is a day to recognize and celebrate the important contributions of destination organizations and professionals. Visit Albuquerque posted on social media recognizing its employees and their contributions. Additionally, Visit Albuquerque will highlight an employee once a month in the Partner Connection newsletter to foster more community with Visit Albuquerque stakeholders.

Sales Updates

Visit Albuquerque Names New Vice President of Sales, Services and Sports

Visit Albuquerque announced Angie Jepsen as the new Vice President of Sales, Services and Sports. Angie has been an integral part of the sales team since she started as a National Sales Manager for Sports in 2013. She most recently held the position of Director of Sales, Services and Sports, and during her tenure has helped lead the Albuquerque Sports Commission to great success. We are excited to have her spearheading the Sales, Services and Sports division of Visit Albuquerque.

Visit Albuquerque Sports Commission Celebrates a Successful Track Season

The Visit Albuquerque Sports Commission is wrapping up a successful indoor track and field season. In partnership with the City of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Convention Center, Visit Albuquerque has helped host six track meets, including the Mountain West Indoor Track and Field Championships (being held this weekend) and the Lone Star Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships. Visit Albuquerque also helped create a Downtown Running Route for athletes and meeting and convention attendees to use. It is a well-lit and easy-to-follow run, with directional signage pointing the way. Thanks to UNM, APD, the City of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Convention Center for their help in the creation of the route.

Downtown Running Route signage

Upcoming Meetings and Sports Events

In March 2025, more than 31,500 people will participate in meetings and sports events booked and supported by Visit Albuquerque. These events will generate an estimated $9.95 million in direct spend. Some of the noteworthy events include:

Dates	Group Name	Est. Attendance	Meeting Location
March 2	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association 2025 EA Leagues-6	1,426	Mesa Del Sol Soccer Fields
March 2	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association 2025 Spring ODP/YOP Training-1	660	NM Soccer Tournament Complex
March 6-9	New Mexico Swimming Short Course State Championships	1,650	West Mesa Aquatic Center
March 9	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association Spring ODP/YOP Training-2	660	NM Soccer Tournament Complex
March 11-15	New Mexico Activities Association 2025 Boys & Girls Basketball Championships	3,960	The Pit
March 15-16	United States Specialty Sports Association St. Patrick’s Day Tournament	3,960	Jennifer Riordan Spark Kindness Sports Complex
March 21-23	Sun Country Region Volleyball Association ABQ Bid-Qualifier	8,316	Albuquerque Convention Center
March 21-22	New Mexico Activities Association Spirit Championships	5,940	The Pit
March 22-25	Association of Collegiate Conference & Events Directors International Annual Conference	600	Albuquerque Convention Center
March 23	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association Spring ODP/YOP Training-3	660	NM Soccer Tournament Complex
March 26-29	Comparative Cognition Society Meeting	250	Hotel Albuquerque
March 28-30	Southwest District Key Club DCON	350	Crowne Plaza Albuquerque
March 28-29	New Mexico Activities Association JROTC State Championships	1,650	Local High Schools
March 30-April 6	Association for Death Education and Counseling 2025 Meeting	350	Hotel Albuquerque
March 30	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association Spring ODP/YOP Training-4	660	NM Soccer Tournament Complex
March 31-April 2	National Association of College & University Food Services Spring Meeting	400	Albuquerque Convention Center

Bolded events are citywide events, defined as events that require a minimum of 400 room nights on peak, and will take place across the city. Although each of these events takes place in one part of town, the people who attend them will visit businesses throughout the city for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Let's come together to make their stay memorable, showcasing the best of Albuquerque’s hospitality. Your welcoming spirit can contribute to a positive experience for these visitors and foster a lasting impression of our community.