Albuquerque Travel Trade Newsletter - Winter 2012
When
you are looking for a Southwestern destination that is affordable,
authentic in its architecture and cultures, and offers great outdoor
experiences with a totally different look, consider Albuquerque. As we
kick off 2010, we'd like to share some highlights of news from our area
including new hotels, attraction expansions and exciting upcoming
events.
Meet the Albuquerque CVB Travel Trade team
Greetings
from (L to R) Tania Armenta, Vice President of Marketing,
Communications & Tourism, Megan Mayo, Communications & Tourism
Manager and Kelly Ryan, Communications & Tourism Coordinator.
We can be reached at
trade@itsatrip.org or 505-222-4340. Kelly will be attending ABA in a few weeks, so please stop by and say hello if you will be there.
Travelers are raving about Albuquerque on TripAdvisor®
Albuquerque has been listed as one of 15 destinations on the rise on
www.tripadvisor.com. The article begins this way, “Whether you're into history, culture, outdoor adventures or just in need of some new and unique scenery, Albuquerque offers exciting attractions for all ages and interests, anytime of the year…”
View entire article.
Albuquerque celebrates New Mexico Centennial
The state of New Mexico, America’s 47th state, celebrates 100 years of statehood in 2012 with events and festivals all year long. In Albuquerque, a variety of events and festivals will honor the state’s landmark occasion. Albuquerque’s largest Centennial event is the Centennial Summerfest on Saturday, June 16th with themed music, performances and themed food stations throughout the downtown area. In addition to events, stay tuned for details on Albuquerque’s themed Centennial Weekend celebrations throughout the year. www.abqcentennial.com
Spaceport Tours
Albuquerque-based Follow the Sun Tours is now offering weekend tours of Spaceport America. The Spaceport is located two and a half hours south of Albuquerque near Truth or Consequences (T or C), New Mexico. The current preview tour is available on weekends and will expand to a daily offering in March when the Pre-Operational Tour begins. We will share more details as we receive them. The preview tour is an excellent opportunity to take a peak into what space tourism is going to be when flights begin, which is expected for early 2013.
www.ftstours.com/spaceport.htm
Native American Dance Program Expands
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is expanding live Native American dance programming to run Thursdays through Sunday beginning this summer. The June - August schedule will offer one 2pm performance on Thursdays & Fridays plus Saturday and Sunday dances at 11am and 2pm.
www.indianpueblo.org
National Hispanic Cultural Center showcases largest concave fresco in the U.S.
If you have not included the National Hispanic Cultural Center in your tour to Albuquerque, you are missing out. The Center offers amazing Hispanic visual art, culture and performing arts opportunities. The most recent addition is a fresco, which was nine years in the making. The fresco, painted by Santa Fe artist Frederico Vigil, lines the walls of the center’s torreón, or watch tower. At 4,400 square-feet, it is the largest concave fresco in the United States. Its brightly colored images tell the story of Hispanic history and culture including glimpses of European, African and Asian connections. www.nhccnm.org
Hotel News
- The Albuquerque Hilton has re-opened as Crowne Plaza Albuquerque after $14 million in renovations throughout the property. The 261-room hotel is conveniently located just six miles from the airport and three miles from historic Old Town. The hotel features the famous Ranchers Club of New Mexico restaurant, the only AAA 4 Diamond Award Winner in Albuquerque. Recently opened, the new Stonestreet Restaurant features innovative New Mexican cuisines. View details.
- Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel has undergone a transformation. The hotel, formerly known as the Albuquerque Grand Airport Hotel, features the signature offerings of the brand's recent $6 billion revitalization effort including the "Link@Sheraton"SM experienced with Microsoft(R)" - the brand's signature social hub where connections, whether face-to-face or webcam-to-webcam take place. View press release.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®
October 6-14, 2012
From a modest beginning in 1972 of 13 balloons launching from a shopping mall parking lot, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has grown to 500+ balloons and hundreds of thousands of guests at Balloon Fiesta Park each fall.This year will mark the 40th time that the Balloon Fiesta has filled Albuquerque’s crystal blue skies. The Balloon Fiesta is the premier international ballooning event, powered by the perfect October climate and a phenomenon called the "Albuquerque Box," (a combination of weather patterns and geographic landscape, the box allows balloonists to control and even retrace their adventure).
The place to be in October is at Balloon Fiesta Park. The 200 acres of grass and booths will be filled with balloons and vendors selling everything from traditional New Mexican food to Balloon memorabilia. Each year balloon teams from around the world participate in the event and news coverage originates from more than 50 countries. It has become the most photographed event in the world. Join in the special celebration this year - media registration will begin in August. .
Registration is now available for 2010 group tours.
Gruet Named to Wine Spectators Top 100 List
New Mexico’s Gruet Winery was recognized as one of the Top 100 Wines of 2011 at a prestigious No. 43. Their Blanc de Noirs NV was given a rating of 90 points earlier in the year and is now recognized as one of the best wines in the world. View complete release.
Vernon's Hidden Valley Steakhouse named on of America's 10 most secret restaurants
“Whether it's a gimmick or indifference, the secrecy of a restaurant only makes a reservation there that much more desirable,” says http://www.thedailymeal.com/. The website recognized Albuquerque’s Vernon’s Hidden Valley Steakhouse among the most hidden restaurants in the country. Read the complete story.
Fusion Theatre Companyrecognized nationally
The 11-year-old Fusion Theatre Co. was recently one of 10 U.S. theater companies to be awarded by the national American Theater Wing.
View the story.
View Albuquerque news page for additional What's New info