Published: 08.06.2006
Orbitz: Albuquerque will be a hot spot soon
By Erik Siemers
SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE
World travelers, take note: Albuquerque should be on your list of must-see places.
And don't forget Iceland.
That's the advice offered by travel experts from the online travel agency Orbitz, who predict that Albuquerque will become a top destination in the next five years, along with Reykjavik, Iceland; New Orleans; Shanghai, China; and Cape Town, South Africa.
Happy mayor
It's another list that's got Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez cooing.
"The old days of people coming to Albuquerque only as a means of getting to Santa Fe really will be done over the next five years," Chavez said. "It doesn't mean people won't still go to Santa Fe, but it will be a day trip away from their stay in Albuquerque."
A marketing dream
Albuquerque's standing on prominent national lists has become a marketing dream come true for the city.
Albuquerque in May topped Forbes magazine's annual list of Best Places for Business and Careers, which resulted in Chavez being interviewed last month for a program on the Fine Living Network cable channel.
Pushing for more air carriers
The Orbitz distinction, which is part of the travel site's five-year anniversary celebration, gives the city ammunition for pushing more air carriers to provide service to Albuquerque, Chavez said.
Chavez said he'll be adding the news to a presentation he'll give in a few weeks in Guadalajara, Mexico. City officials are still working to secure direct flights from Albuquerque to Mexico.
"We can go to Frontier (Airlines), or the Mexican carriers, and say, 'We're one of the top five destinations over the next five years,' " Chavez said. " 'Wouldn't it be nice if they go there on your airline? As a matter of fact, how can you avoid not having your airline come here?' "
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