2017 Hospitality Professional of the Year Finalist Boris Revilla Food & Beverage Director – Indian Pueblo Cultural Center What was your first job in the hospitality industry? I worked as a prep cook for Artiste in Washington, D.C. when I was 22 years old. I had never worked in this industry and a prep cook from El Salvador took me … Read More
2017 Top Hat Spotlight – Kenneth Riege
2017 Hospitality Professional of the Year Presented by Visit Albuquerque Kenneth Riege General Manager – Comfort Suites Gallup What was your first job in the hospitality industry? General Manager of the Holiday Inn Express in Gallup Who has helped/mentored you through your career? Yogash Kumar What has been the highlight of your career? When I visit with our guest and … Read More
2017 Top Hat Spotlight – Joani Jones
2017 Hospitality Professional of the Year Finalist Joani Jones Director of Sales – Crowne Plaza What was your first job in the hospitality industry? Breakfast waitress at Best Western in Washington DC Who has helped/mentored you through your career? The grace of God What has been the highlight of your career? Employees telling me how much I have encouraged and … Read More
2017 Top Hat Spotlight – Brian Hatchitt
2017 Tourism Personnel of the Year Brian Hatchitt Director of Sales & Marketing – Albuquerque Convention Center What was your first job in the hospitality industry? I was hired – after 6 interviews – as a concierge at a super swanky resort in a town I knew nothing about. I lasted 5 days. Who has helped/mentored you through your career? … Read More
2017 Top Hat Spotlight – James Hice
2017 Back-of-House Food & Beverage Employee of the Year James Hice Executive Chef – Albuquerque Convention Center What was your first job in the hospitality industry? I started as a dishwasher at the Ramada Mount View Inn in 1997 and was then promoted to cook 6 months later. A year after I was promoted to kitchen manager. Who has helped/mentored … Read More
Top Hat Spotlight – Premier Awards
2016 Hospitality Professional of the Year Ed Pulsifer La Fonda on the Plaza Ed is happiest when he is sharing the history of La Fonda with a potential meeting planner, leisure guest, or local who is visiting one of the shops or restaurants in the hotel. He engages everyone that he meets including every staff member. He is often referred … Read More
Represent Your Community at the 2017 New Mexico State Fair
REPRESENT YOUR COMMUNITY AT THE 2017 STATE FAIR! What: Sign up for the annual New Mexico True Day at the New Mexico State Fair! When: Thursday, September 14 Where: Main Street – New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm Cost: free – {registration required} Who: Tourism offices, visitor centers, hospitality businesses, attractions, chambers of commerce, tribal entities … Read More
New Mexico Tourism Department Reveals 2016 Visitation Numbers
On Wednesday, July 5th, the New Mexico Tourism Department revealed the key statistics for 2016 visitation, signaling continued growth for the New Mexico travel and tourism industry. The 2016 visitation numbers were revealed during a press conference in Albuquerque at the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. The announcement was the first of four events featuring Governor Susana Martinez and Tourism … Read More
2017 First Legislative Session Update
The Special Session, which convened May 24 and concluded May 30, was called to order to approve the state budget for FY2018. House Bill 1 was drafted, introduced, voted by the Legislature and approved by Governor Susana Martinez. New Mexico Hospitality Association had several meetings with legislative council to support the Tourism Department’s budget request. We are pleased to report … Read More