Industry Insider

New Mexico Reaches 60% Vaccination Goal

On June 18, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham confirmed New Mexico will retire its color-coded, county-by-county reopening system on July 1 and lift COVID-19 health restrictions on commercial and day-to-day activity. All businesses across the state may once again operate at 100% of maximum capacity beginning on July 1. 
 

• Businesses may still adopt and require additional precautions for employees and/or patrons, at their discretion.
• As of July 1, all limitations on mass gatherings will no longer be in place. Businesses, large events and organizations may operate at 100% of maximum capacity, whether indoor or outdoor. 
• The state will continue to follow CDC guidance with respect to face-coverings: Masks will remain required for unvaccinated individuals, and businesses, workplaces and tribes may continue to require masks for employees, customers or visitors on the premises, regardless of vaccination status, at their discretion.
• Until July 1, all counties in the state will remain at the least-restrictive Turquoise Level, where commercial and day-to-day pandemic-related restrictions are minimal.
   

Ad Campaign Launches to Support Tourism Recovery

 In late March, the City of Albuquerque announced that it would invest $1.5 million to help boost the recovery of the local tourism industry. Visit Albuquerque has been working closely with the City and the Lodgers’ Tax Advisory Board to manage $1 million of the investment to promote Albuquerque as a top destination for travelers.
 
The City-funded advertising campaign launched on June 1 with messages that focus on outdoor recreation; arts and culture; and distinctive Albuquerque experiences, events and attractions. The ads will generate more than 200 million impressions through the end of the campaign in mid-October.
 
Placements include:

• Outdoor billboards in Phoenix, El Paso, Amarillo, Colorado Springs and Oklahoma City. The colorful boards encourage road trips to Albuquerque.
• 30-second commercials on national cable TV networks such as CNN, CNBC and ESPN. The commercials are airing during prime viewing hours and will reach more than 65% of U.S. households with cable TV subscriptions.
• 30-second commercials on streaming TV services such as Hulu and Paramount+.
• Digital banner ads directed at likely travelers, who are identified through their online behavior.
• Content partnerships and banner ads on the websites of Outside, Texas Monthly and Sunset magazines.
• Paid social media ads on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
• Pay-per-click search engine marketing to drive traffic to the VisitABQ.org website.

 
The marketing campaign will help ensure that Albuquerque is in a strong position to capture pent-up demand for travel over the summer and throughout the rest of the year.

Mayor Keller Signs 2022 Recovery Budget and Albuquerque Rescue Plan, Authorizing $1.26 Billion in Operating and Stimulus Funding

On June 1, Mayor Keller signed the City’s $1.2 billion FY22 Operating Budget and the Albuquerque Rescue Plan, which allocates an additional $59.8 million under the first phase of federal recovery funding. Initiatives in the budget include boosting public safety and reinvigorating the economy, including $2 million for tourism improvements, sustainability and more. Read the official press release here. 

New Mexico Tourism Department Tour Operator Toolkit  

The New Mexico Tourism Department has released a tour operator toolkit to provide resources to aspiring entrepreneurs interested in starting a tour business in New Mexico. The toolkit includes business development assistance and resources available through the state, Chambers of Commerce, Destination Marketing Organizations, non-profit incubators and business accelerators. Get the toolkit here. 

Both Visit Albuquerque Visitor Information Centers Now Open 

The Visitor Information Center at the Albuquerque International Sunport has reopened with COVID-safe practices and precautions in place. Both of Visit Albuquerque’s Visitor Information Centers are now open seven days a week. We are excited to welcome travelers and local residents back to the centers, where they can find maps, Visitors Guides and information about what to see, where to eat, where to shop and how to spend time in Albuquerque. 

Visitor Information Center in Historic Old Town:
Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
 
Visitor Information Center in the Sunport:
Sunday – Friday 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
 

Visit Albuquerque Attends HelmsBriscoe and Meeting Professionals International World Education Annual Business Conferences

Visit Albuquerque National Senior Sales Manager Clarissa Baca is attending the HelmsBriscoe Annual Business Conference from June 28-30 in Dallas. Clarissa will have the opportunity to participate in the Partner Fair — a time when HelmsBriscoe Associates and partners can meet to network, share business opportunities, and grow relationships. During the fair, Clarissa will conduct both in-person and virtual appointments with HelmsBriscoe representatives.
 
From June 14-17, National Senior Sales Manager Tabitha Stallworth and Vice President of Sales, Services & Sports Kristin McGrath attended the Meeting Professionals International World Education Conference (MPI-WEC) in Las Vegas. The gathering brought over 1200 industry professionals together for face-to- face meetings and over 600 attendees virtually. While at MPI-WEC, Visit Albuquerque conducted 10 prescheduled sales appointments.

Senior National Sales Manager Attends Military Reunion Network Educational Summit

From June 8-10, Visit Albuquerque Senior National Sales Manager Misty Jester attended the Military Reunion Network Educational Summit in Colorado Springs. Misty led a breakout session on RFPs, facilitated a panel discussion with five reunion planners and had 31 in-person, individual appointments. Visit Albuquerque has been a member of the Military Reunion Network for years and many reunions have been booked in Albuquerque from this relationship.

Unbelievable Pass

The new Unbelievable Pass officially launched earlier this month. The pass is designed to support local businesses in the leisure and entertainment industry by connecting them with New Mexicans who are eager to have some fun. The Unbelievable Pass is the only entertainment and discount pass of its kind in New Mexico.

The pass currently provides discounts at nearly three dozen entertainment-based businesses in the metro area, with additional businesses joining soon. Businesses are not charged to participate in the pass, and each business determines the type of discount it wants to offer to customers. Businesses will receive exposure in all marketing at no cost to them outside of their discount. Interested businesses may contact Courtney Ballew at courtney.ballew@gmail.com to become a partner.
 

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.