Industry Insider

Release of Official Albuquerque Visitors Guide Is Rescheduled for September

After extensive consideration and in the best interest of our Partners and future visitors, Visit Albuquerque has decided to postpone the publication date of the next edition of its Official Albuquerque Visitors Guide until September 2021. The current edition of the Visitors Guide will continue to be distributed until the new guide is released. After the new guide is printed in September, it will be distributed throughout the fall and winter of 2021 and the spring and summer of 2022. We had originally planned to release an updated Visitors Guide in March. Due to uncertainty about reopening timelines, however, we are delaying publication of the guide in order to ensure that it contains accurate and useful information for visitors.
 
The Official Albuquerque Visitors Guide celebrates everything that makes Albuquerque special – our diverse culture, scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, authentic cuisine and unique attractions and events. We are excited to tell Albuquerque’s story in the next edition of the Visitors Guide.

For our Partners, the later release date means that you have more time to plan your advertising content to reach the guide’s 150,000 readers. We know that travelers are anxious to experience Albuquerque, and we expect to see increased visitation beginning in 2021 and strengthening in 2022. Your business will want to attract these visitors. The new deadline for advertising space reservations is June 1, 2021. Contact Mary Brown at 505-222-4310 or brown@visitabq.org to discuss advertising opportunities.
 
Partners also have additional time to ensure that their free business listing is up to date. A listing in the Visitors Guide is free to Partners in most business categories. Please contact Janice Pomeroy at pomeroy@visitabq.org by May 1 with any changes to your complimentary listing.

Visit Albuquerque Launches #TrueABQ Challenge 

On Jan. 5, the organization officially launched the #TrueABQ Challenge — a campaign designed to inspire and encourage residents to rediscover Albuquerque while simultaneously supporting the city’s small business community. The challenge will run through Sunday, Feb. 28, and the winner will be announced on Monday, March 8. Participants who complete the #TrueABQ Challenge will be entered into a random drawing for a free hot air balloon ride for two, courtesy of Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co. Learn more here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Portal Now Open 

Earlier this month, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) announced its phased plan for vaccine distribution. Individuals will be able to preschedule vaccinations as NMDOH receives more information about the number and timing of additional vaccine shipments. Those who would like to register to be notified when they are able to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine may do so at https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org.

March 31 Is Deadline To Apply for PPP Loans

Under recent changes to the Paycheck Protection Program, eligibility was expanded to additional types of businesses, eligible borrowers who received a first-draw PPP loan will be able to apply for a second loan, and loan funds may be used for additional types of expenses. For most first- and second-time PPP applicants, the loan amount is based on 2.5 times average monthly payroll, up to a maximum set by SBA. However, for lodging and food services businesses, the loan amount is based on 3.5 times average monthly payroll, up to the SBA maximum. Participating lenders are accepting applications until March 31. 

The New Mexico Tourism Department, U.S. Small Business Administration and New Mexico Small Business Development Center hosted a webinar on Jan. 14 titled “Understanding and Accessing COVID-19 Relief for the New Mexico Tourism Industry.” The webinar provided an overview of recent changes to the Paycheck Protection Program. The webinar was designed specifically for businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry. Watch the recording here. To learn more and apply, click here. 

JAN. 27 WEBINAR FOCUSES ON HOW TO APPLY FOR A SHUTTERED VENUE GRANT

In addition to the Paycheck Protection Program , the SBA is also making Shuttered Venue Operators grants (also known as Live Venue grants) available to concert venues, performing arts centers and theaters, as well as zoos, aquariums and museums that meet certain criteria. The venue must have experienced a decline in revenue of at least 25% between April 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. SBA is administering these directly, and businesses will apply online on the SBA website. The grant amount is based on 45% of the employer’s gross revenue in 2019, up to $10 million, and recipients of a Shuttered Venue Operators grant will not be eligible to receive a PPP loan.
 
On Wednesday, Jan. 27, the New Mexico Tourism Department and New Mexico Small Business Development Center will host a tourism-specific webinar on how to apply for the Shuttered Venue Operators grant. The webinar is designed for event planners, theatrical producers, venue managers, live performing arts organizations, movie houses and cultural institutions. The webinar will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Register for the webinar here.

Visit Albuquerque Team Members Attend PCMA’s Convening Leaders Conference

Members of the Visit Albuquerque team attended the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Convening Leaders conference virtually this year from Jan. 11-15. Convening Leaders is one of the meetings industry’s premier annual conferences. The 2021 conference had a special focus on preparing for the recovery of the business events industry.

Valentine's Day Specials and Deals Media Opportunities

Visit Albuquerque’s media relations team is in constant contact with journalists, influencers and media outlets that focus on travel, cuisine, entertainment and events. Recently, we have received an uptick in inquiries from writers who are interested in specials and deals for Valentine's Day. These opportunities are a way for you to position yourselves as experts within the industry and keep your businesses on a national radar. Below please find a few examples of what writers are looking for:
 

• A restaurant with a strong cocktail program that could give a few tips on how to make better cocktails at home 
• A fine dining restaurant that could give tips on how to elevate an at-home dining experience 
• Creative Valentine's Day takeout packages being offered 
• Any examples of restaurants doing other creative things for Valentine's Day at home (example: publicly posting restaurant playlists to set atmosphere) 

 
If your business or organization has new initiatives and/or announcements for 2021 (new products or services, openings, anniversaries, etc.), please fill out this form at your earliest convenience. We will be using these details to pitch stories to national travel media. 

DOABQ

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@doabq.com for more information.